Maui Wowi, a gourmet coffee and smoothie franchise, will open its first corporate-owned store to serve as a training facility in Denver, the company announced Wednesday.
The Greenwood Village-based company is 100-percent franchised with a total of 450 locations in seven countries and 35 states, including Colorado. This will be the first store owned by the brand, rather than a franchisee.
The new location, which will be built in Lowry district near the old Air Force Base, is set to open in late spring 2015. It will serve as a training facility for new franchisees, as well as a testing facility for new products.
'This is the perfect opportunity to increase our brand awareness in our own backyard and bring Maui Wowi's attractive island theme and exotic flavors to the Lowry community,' saidMike Weinberger, CEO of Maui Wowi Hawaiian.
The facility is the beginning of what the company said will be a move to open several corporate-owned locations across the state.
'It is time to open up new avenues for success and to cultivate them not just in an office, but by working behind the counter,' Weinberger said.