Acai Express: Serving Up Health with Every Bowl

Acai Express is a thriving health-oriented franchise offering a vibrant menu of organic acai bowls and other superfood options. Launched in 2013 by Hector Westerband in Puerto Rico, the brand began as a single food truck and quickly gained popularity for its fresh, nutrient-rich offerings. Today, Acai Express maintains its headquarters in Puerto Rico and continues to grow steadily.

The brand’s rapid expansion across both Puerto Rico and the mainland United States mirrors the increasing appetite for fast-casual dining that prioritizes health and wellness. Consumers are drawn to Acai Express for its dedication to providing wholesome, quick meals without compromising on taste or quality.

What sets Acai Express apart is its use of premium, Grade A organic acai sourced directly from Belen, Brazil. The menu features an array of superfood bowls, fresh smoothies, cold-pressed juices, lemonades, and gourmet toasts—all crafted with carefully selected ingredients designed to deliver optimal nutrition and flavor. It's a brand that resonates deeply with health-conscious diners seeking convenience and quality.

Training

Acai Express provides comprehensive training programs to ensure franchisees are well-equipped to operate their businesses successfully. The training includes:

1. Initial Training Program: Acai Express requires franchisees and their designated manager to attend and complete an initial training program before the business opens. This training is conducted at a location designated by the franchisor, typically lasting five days. It covers operations, marketing, employee management, customer service, and product preparation.
2. On-Site Training: After the initial training, Acai Express provides on-site training at the franchisee’s location for up to five business days around the time of opening. This support is focused on assisting with the setup, launch operations, and training of additional staff.
3. Additional Training: The franchisor may require franchisees to attend refresher courses or periodic training programs throughout the term of the franchise. These are meant to ensure ongoing compliance and adaptation to any changes in the system or best practices.

Territory Protection

Acai Express does offer limited territory protection to its franchisees. According to the Franchise Disclosure Document, each franchisee is granted a designated area known as a “Protected Territory,” which will be defined in the Franchise Agreement.

During the term of the agreement, Acai Express will not establish or authorize another traditional Acai Express location within that protected area. However, the protection is not absolute.

Acai Express reserves the right to operate or license non-traditional venues such as food trucks, kiosks, or locations in stadiums, airports, or convenience stores—even within a franchisee’s protected territory. Additionally, the company retains the right to sell products through online channels, grocery distribution, or other means that may compete with franchise locations.