How a 900-Square-Foot Juice Bar Became a Thriving Franchise: The 3Natives Story, Straight from the Founder

When Anthony Bambino opened a 900-square-foot juice bar in Florida, he wasn’t chasing franchise dreams—he was just hoping to make rent. But within seven months, it was clear: 3Natives was more than a juice bar. It was the start of something special.

Now with 50+ locations and growing, 3Natives has become one of the most exciting franchise opportunities in the fast-casual space. On a recent episode of the Give Innovation podcast, Anthony shared how his journey started, why 3Natives has stayed true to its roots, and what makes this brand—and its franchise model—so powerful.

A Brand Built on Simplicity, Authenticity, and Demand

The idea for 3Natives began while Anthony was working as a traveling sales rep and spending time at a small bowl shop in San Diego. The shop had an extensive menu, but customers kept coming in for one thing: acai bowls. Anthony saw the trend, recognized a gap in the Florida market, and took the leap.

“At the time, Florida had greasy diners, chain BBQ spots, and not-so-great Italian food,” Anthony said. “I just wanted to try something different. And if it didn’t work, I had time to rebound.”

Luckily, it worked. And from day one, the vision was clear: create a place where people could grab a fresh, healthy meal in a fast-casual setting—without sacrificing quality, warmth, or experience.

Growing at the Right Pace, for the Right Reasons

Unlike brands that expand too quickly with outside investors, 3Natives has taken a different approach. The company is still family-owned—just Anthony and his dad—and growth has been steady and intentional.

“There’s no private equity. No board meetings,” he said. “When you’re part of this brand, your voice is heard.”

Franchisee feedback directly influences the menu, including new LTOs. The internal culture is strong, and the brand continues to promote from within—many team members have risen through the ranks from dishwasher to corporate leadership.

This grassroots approach not only keeps the business grounded—it makes the franchise model more accessible, flexible, and rewarding for the right partners.

Why Guest Experience is the 3Natives Differentiator

In a saturated market, it’s not just about what you serve—it’s how you make people feel.

“People buy from who they like,” Anthony shared. “At 3Natives, our people are the brand. And we empower them to go above and beyond.”

Customer service isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a core business strategy. Franchisees are encouraged to invest in their teams, because happy employees create memorable guest experiences. Whether it’s correcting a mistake, remembering a regular’s order, or simply offering a warm greeting, the goal is to turn a 15-minute visit into a daily oasis.

And the results speak for themselves. With consistently high online reviews and strong same-store sales, 3Natives has proven that exceptional service fuels long-term growth.

A Franchise Opportunity That’s Human at Heart

Today, 3Natives is poised to grow from 50 to 75+ stores. But the values that shaped the first location still define the brand: quality, authenticity, connection, and care.

This is a franchise built for people who care about people. For entrepreneurs who want to lead a business with heart. And for operators who believe that healthy food, great service, and a sense of community never go out of style.

As Anthony said on the podcast: “We’re not just a part of someone’s meal—we’re part of their lives.”

Ready to learn more about becoming a 3Natives franchisee? Click here to get started.