Getahn Ward

USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee

An August opening is targeted for the 1,700-square-foot location at 2803 Gallatin Pike.

Paul and Paula McCulloch plan to open their location at 12th and Wedgewood on May 1.

The East Nashville Smoothie King will be the McCullochs' fourth with a double-order drive-thru order station.

The couple is also scouting properties in Hermitage, Donelson, Franklin, Spring Hill and along Charlotte Pike for new stores.

One of the nation's largest owners of Smoothie King franchises is bringing the first location under that blended fruit and vegetable-based drinks concept to East Nashville.

Paul and Paula McCulloch have begun renovating the nearly 1,700-square-foot building at 2803 Gallatin Pike with plans to open the smoothie store by Aug. 1.

The leased location would be the couple's 12th Nashville-area store after the Smoothie King that's set to open at 12th and Wedgewood on May 1. They also plan another at the 1821 Jefferson mixed-use building, which is under construction between Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Boulevard and 21st Avenue North in North Nashville. And they're scouting properties in Hermitage, Donelson, Franklin, Spring Hill and along Nashville's Charlotte Pike to open additional locations.

Paul McCulloch expects to spend around $300,000 on renovations to 2803 Gallatin Pike, which was once a Taco Bell and most recently was occupied by a title company.

"It's across from the YMCA, which is perfect for us," he said, referring to the Margaret Maddox Family YMCA.

The East Nashville Smoothie King will be the McCullochs' fourth Nashville-area store with a double-order drive-thru order station.

The McCullochs' lease at 2803 Gallatin Pike is with Andy and Chad Baker, who bought the building a month ago as an investment. The Baker twins, who are best known as owners of The Dog Spot and Spot’s Pet Supply & Grooming, also own properties at 1000, 1004, 1009 1011 and 1013 Gallatin Ave.

Nationwide, there are more than 675 Smoothie King locations, mostly owned by franchisees such as the McCullochs. Smoothie King Franchises Inc., based in the New Orleans area, owns about 26 company-owned locations mostly across the Southeast. There are 778 Smoothie King stores worldwide.

McCulloch touts Smoothie King as one of the nation's fastest-growing health-oriented companies. Last year, same-store sales rose 9.8 percent, with Smoothie King Franchises Inc. aiming for 8 percent this year.

Eventually, the McCullochs could expand their Smoothie King to outside ​the Nashville area.

Reach Getahn Ward at 615-726-5968 and on Twitter @getahn.

