National Fast Casual Brand
Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s menu boasts bold, flavorful smoothies with a healthy appeal, all made-to-order from the freshest ingredients. It is a brand is built on the belief that superior, simple ingredients including real fruits and veggies just tastes better.
What began as a single location on a beach in Destin, Florida has grown to be a lifestyle brand for people looking for healthy alternatives to fast food. Every day, Tropical Smoothie serves up great-tasting, nutritious food and smoothies at more than 600 locations in 43 states, with more in development.
Eric Jenrich and David Walker, Co-Founders
Eric Jenrich and David Walker, founded Tropical Smoothie Franchise Development Corp. in 1997. By 2006, Tropical Smoothie opened its 200th location in Virginia Beach, VA.. By 2012, BIP Capital, led by Scott Pressly, acquired a controlling interest in Tropical Smoothie Cafe.
Eric and David have continued to remain highly active in decision making at Tropical Smoothie Cafe through membership on the board and as active shareholders.
Salon Suites
Founded by Gina Rivera, who comes from a family of salon professionals with over 85 years of salon industry experience, Phenix Salon Suites is one of the fastest growing “salon suites” brands in the US. With over 200 locations spanning 26 states, Phenix provides stylists all the benefits of salon ownership without the expense and hassles typical of the industry. Phenix Salon Suites culture is built around a deep understanding and passion for empowering salon professionals.
Gina and Jason Rivera, Co-Founders
Gina Rivera is a well-known icon in the world of beauty. Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she and her husband Jason founded, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest growing salon suite company in the beauty industry and the only one to ever be named to the Top 100 of Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Franchise List.
This success led Rivera to being featured on the Emmy Award winning show Undercover Boss. Additionally, Rivera is a seasoned columnist who is frequently featured in well-known publications such as Fashion & Style, Modern Salon, the Huffington Post, Hairbrained and several others. With over 200,000 Facebook followers, her “Tip of the Week” has quickly become one of the most well-read columns on the web providing advice on how to succeed in business and life to fans and beauty enthusiasts.
In 2018, Gina and Jason brought on 10 Point Capital as minority partners to assist in national brand growth and the strategic direction of the company.
Asian Fast Casual
Tin Drum Asian Kitchen serves up fresh, cooked-to-order wok dishes in a fun, fast casual atmosphere everyone loves. Tin Drum Asian Kitchens are inspired by the energy and atmosphere of the streets of Asia. Locations feature a dramatic wok theater, bold colors and images, and open shelving stocked, market-style, with noodles, sauces, and other ingredients used in cooking.
Steven Chan, Founder
Steven began Tin Drum in 2003 to bring people from all walks of life together to share in a meal that was both tantalizing and comforting. To create Tin Drum Asian Kitchen, Steven drew on the energy of the streets of Hong Kong, where he lived as a child, and developed menu items to appeal to consumers with an adventurous palate. His first restaurant was on the Georgia Tech campus, his alma mater, and has been successful since it opened.
In 2012, he joined with BIP Capital, led by Scott Pressly, in order to prepare the brand for future franchise growth. Today, Steven continues to drive growth at Tin Drum in partnership with Scott Pressly and team.