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Kahala Brands announces acquisition of Maui Wowi Hawaiian

Kahala Brands announced that it has acquired the premium smoothie and coffee brand Maui Wowi Hawaiian

November 3, 2015

Kahala Brands announced that it has acquired the premium smoothie and coffee brand Maui Wowi Hawaiian, based in Denver. This most recent acquisition expands Kahala Brands' list of smoothie concepts to four national brands and to 17 brands within its portfolio, according to a company press release.

"Maui Wowi, with 400 mobile carts and 29 standalone retail units operated by 200 franchisees, is a perfect addition to our family of smoothie brands and our portfolio of concepts as whole. This purchase further expands our smoothie footprint to more than 800 locations and allows us to be a part of such a fun concept and fantastic food and flavor profile, where we can bring the great tastes of Hawaii to the mainland and around the world," said Michael Serruya, chairman and chief executive officer of Kahala Brands.

The first Maui Wowi Hawaiian location opened in 1982 in Salt Lake City when its founders wanted to bring the smoothies of Hawaii that they loved to the mainland. The brand began franchising in 1997. Today Maui Wowi offers smoothies and an exclusive line of Kona espresso and cappuccino drinks, as well as a gourmet line of authentic blended coffees from Maui, Kona, Kauai and Molokai.

Kahala Brands will consolidate the corporate operations and run the franchising platform for the brand from its headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona, the release stated.

Kahala Brands has a portfolio of 17 quick service restaurant brands with approximately 2,700 locations in more than 26 countries.