Michael Demaray

Rumors of Jamba Juice's Demise Greatly Overstated

The difference between Ray Kroc and Starbucks is...McDonald's owned the underlying real estate. Jamba leases its stores. Simply refranchising everything doesn't solve the operational issues that need to be addressed. Great write-up John. I appreciated your thoughts on meal replacement vs. snacks. Jamba really needs to re-think its food offerings and make them fit the healthy lifestyle. Pretzels and bread are simply an additional carb. In my opinion, they should partner with a brand like Kashi and introduce a whole grain product -- then sell a smoothie + a kashi treat as a meal deal. Or maybe a smoothie and two hard boiled eggs as a meal deal. This combination should be a functional meal replacement that caters to healthy people who don't want to add additional refined carbs in addition to a smoothie. I think they are doing so well with their no sugar added line b/c healthy people, who go to Jamba, know that sugar and lots of carbs are bad for you, unless it is pure fruit/veggies.