Inside the 3Natives Franchise Model: A Fresh Take on Fast-Casual Success
From humble beginnings in a small Florida village to over 50 locations across the country, 3Natives is redefining what it means to build a modern, customer-first fast-casual franchise. In a recent interview on The Franchise Life podcast, founder and CEO Anthony Bambino sat down to share the story behind the brand’s rapid growth, unique differentiators, and what makes 3Natives such an attractive opportunity for franchisees.
From Mission Beach to Tequesta: The Origin Story
The idea for 3Natives was sparked on the West Coast, in a small acai and coffee shop in Mission Beach, California, where Anthony’s best friend worked. "I watched people all day long come in and order just one thing — an acai bowl," Anthony recalls. Seeing the parallels between Southern California and South Florida lifestyles, the two friends saw an opportunity.
In 2013, Anthony opened the first 3Natives in Tequesta, a village just north of Jupiter, FL. What started as a simple acai bowl and smoothie shop has since grown into a dynamic brand with an expansive menu and a strong community following.
Evolving the Menu (and the Brand)
In the early days, 3Natives focused solely on acai bowls and smoothies. But Anthony quickly noticed a trend: couples would arrive together, but the men would often opt for food at the nearby Italian deli. When he asked why, the answer was blunt — “You serve bird food.”
That sparked a pivotal shift. “We needed to add more substance, more protein, to appeal to a broader audience,” Anthony said. Within a year, the team rolled out wraps, salads, hot sandwiches, and more. Today, 3Natives offers a robust menu while maintaining a compact footprint, a rare combination in the fast-casual space.
What Sets 3Natives Apart?
Two things: a full menu and exceptional customer service.
While competitors often stop at smoothies and bowls, 3Natives goes further — serving fresh-made wraps, pressed sandwiches, and in-house cold-pressed juice. But according to Anthony, food alone doesn’t win loyalty.
“In a crowded market, the real differentiator is hospitality,” he said. “People don’t just buy products — they buy from people they like.” That philosophy is baked into every franchise partnership. Franchisees are selected not just for their operational savvy, but for their ability to create human connection. “If you’re not people-first, you’re not a fit for our brand.”
A Franchise Model Built for Growth
Since launching its franchise program in 2015, 3Natives has expanded quickly while maintaining operational consistency and high standards. Franchisees benefit from:
Robust corporate support, including marketing, PR, accounting, and operational guidance
A dedicated team of franchise business coaches focused on brand representation and customer service — not just compliance
Ongoing training and tools, from monthly content libraries to tech-enabled loyalty systems that drive repeat visits and data insights
Even the company’s COO is a current franchisee, which Anthony says helps bridge the gap between corporate and franchise locations: “He speaks the language. He knows the challenges firsthand.”
Smart Footprints. Lower Investment.
With an average square footage of 1,000–1,300 sq ft — and newer models as small as 800 sq ft — 3Natives is a lean operation with a healthy revenue-to-investment ratio.
Investment Range: $350,000–$500,000 (with a goal to bring the top end down through smarter build-outs)
Top 50 AUV: $932,000
Labor + Food Costs: Recently rebalanced to support better guest service without hurting margins
Third-Party Delivery: In some urban locations, up to 45% of sales come from platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash
The brand’s flexible footprint and to-go-first model make it ideal for high-traffic urban or suburban areas where speed and convenience matter.
Proven Multi-Unit Success
Anthony himself owns seven stores and operates them using a hub-and-spoke model — centralizing juicing and storage in one larger unit while operating additional stores in smaller footprints. Several franchisees across Florida, Arizona, and Oklahoma are doing the same, scaling efficiently with minimal overhead.
Where 3Natives is Growing Next
With a strong base in Florida, 3Natives is now targeting expansion across the Southeast — especially Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. These markets mirror Florida’s warm climate and health-conscious demographics, making them ideal for the brand’s fresh, fast, and feel-good concept.
Ready to Learn More?
3Natives offers a rare opportunity: a healthy, on-trend fast-casual brand with a proven model, strong support system, and a real commitment to people-first hospitality. Whether you're a first-time investor or an experienced multi-unit operator, the opportunity to grow with 3Natives is real — and rewarding.
Interested in owning a 3Natives franchise? Reach out to our franchise development team to start the conversation today.
