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Mission Possible
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Mission Possible
Doing good while doing well is the mantra for Acai Express founder, Hector Westerband
by Rochelle Miller
Just six years after starting his business with a single food trailer, Hector Westerband has built a sort of acai empire in his native Puerto Rico. Drawing on his backgound from his career in the hospitality industry, he owns and operates six corporate Acai Express locations and has awarded 11 franchises.
Westerband is now bringing his successful brand to the mainland with the goal of opening 50 franchise locations in the next five years in the continental United States. Two brick-and-mortar locations recently launched in Dover, New Jersey, and Cocoa Beach, Florida.
For the uninitiated, acai is a berry native to South America that has been touted as a superfood. “It has a lot of antioxidants,” Westerband says. “It’s a great snack, but it can also be a healthy meal replacement.”
Besides smoothies and lemonades, Acai Express offers acai bowls that showcase the signature ingredient in a creamy puree topped with nourishing complements such as granola, fruit, or nuts. Menu options range from health-conscious to decadent. Its most popular item, Westerband says, is the Valentine Bowl, which features strawberries and a cocoa-hazelnut spread.
The brand’s rapid growth is boosted by its top-notch ingredients. Westerband made multiple trips to Brazil to source the tropical fruit and deliver an organic, grade A product. “Acai is like coffee,” he explains. “There are different grades and qualities.”
Westerband says franchisees particularly appreciate the business because of its relatively low overhead compared to other restaurant franchises. And cooking isn’t required, so the kitchen can operate within a small footprint. He also offers extensive training and three business models: food truck, food trailer, and brick-and-mortar locations.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of Acai Express is its loyal customer base. “We have a higher frequency of visits. Once they try us, they come back two to three times a week,” Westerband says. “That’s something that’s very attractive.”
For franchise inquiries, visit www.acaiexpressfranchise.com.
