Smoodi FAQ for Foodservice Operators

Before adding an automated smoothie machine to their facility, foodservice operators, facility managers, and procurement teams typically have a set of practical questions about how the system works, what it costs, and what the installation involves. This FAQ addresses the most common questions Smoodi receives from operators across universities, hospitals, corporate offices, gyms, hotels, convenience stores, and other commercial venues.

What Is Smoodi?

Smoodi is a compact, self-contained automated smoothie machine designed for commercial foodservice environments. The machine blends pre-portioned IQF (individually quick frozen) fruit cups with water to produce a fresh smoothie in under 60 seconds. It self-cleans between every use. No dedicated staff, no food preparation, and no manual cleaning are required. Smoodi was founded at Harvard Innovation Labs and operates in more than 300 locations across the United States, where it has served more than two million smoothies.

How Does the Machine Work?

The customer approaches the machine's touchscreen, selects a smoothie flavor, and inserts a pre-portioned frozen fruit cup. The machine blends the cup with water and dispenses a fresh smoothie in under 60 seconds. After each use, the machine runs an automatic cleaning cycle so it is ready for the next customer. The entire process is self-service, requiring no employee involvement at any step.

Smoodi also offers a booster bar alongside the machine, where customers can add protein powder, collagen, or other functional supplements to their smoothie.

What Are the Installation Requirements?

Smoodi's machine requires approximately 40 inches of floor space. The full installation requirements include the following.

• Electrical: 120 VAC / 7A outlet, NEMA 5-15P plug with integrated GFCI
• Water inlet: 3/8 inch push-to-connect fitting, 50 to 80 PSI, filtered, softened, potable water
• Sanitizer inlet: 1/4 inch push-to-connect fitting
• Drain: 1 inch FNPT connection, 1/2 inch slope per 12 inches, open drain within 10 feet of the machine
• Dimensions: 32.8 inches high by 10.4 inches wide by 18.2 inches deep (plus 4 inches for rear hardware)
• Weight: 65 pounds

Installation uses push-to-connect fittings for water and drain connections. No major construction or specialized plumbing is typically required, though the machine does need access to a water line and drain. Most operators complete installation within a few days of the initial conversation.

What Flavors Are Available?

Smoodi offers a rotating selection of smoothie flavors, all made from IQF whole fruit blended with water. There are no syrups, concentrates, added sugars, or artificial ingredients in any Smoodi cup. The menu includes fruit-forward options as well as options designed for specific nutritional goals such as high-protein recovery or antioxidant-rich blends. For the current flavor lineup, visit getsmoodi.com/flavors.

How Much Does Smoodi Cost?

Smoodi offers two pricing options for operators.

• Operational lease: Starting at $299 per month (48-month term), with options at $349 per month (36 months), $399 per month (24 months), and $499 per month (12 months). On the lease, Smoodi retains ownership of the machine and provides full service and maintenance coverage.
• Purchase: Starting at $14,999 as a one-time payment. The operator owns the machine outright.

In both cases, the frozen fruit cups are a separate ongoing cost, priced at approximately $2.00 to $3.00 per serving wholesale. Cups are distributed through Dot Foods. Operators set their own retail pricing for customers, typically ranging from $6.00 to $9.00 per smoothie depending on the venue and market.

"Landing with smoodi was partly because it was a smooth and barrier free process where we really felt confident in the product."

— Raphaella Prange, VP of Student Life, Maryville University

How Is the Machine Maintained?

The machine self-cleans between every use, so no manual cleaning is required during normal operation. For operators on the lease program, Smoodi handles all maintenance and repairs as part of the lease agreement. Smoodi retains ownership of the machine and is responsible for keeping it in working order. Operators who purchase the machine outright can arrange service coverage separately.

Restocking the machine involves placing new frozen fruit cups into the machine's freezer compartment. This task takes only a few minutes and can be completed by existing staff during routine supply runs.

What Volume Can the Machine Handle?

A single Smoodi machine blends approximately 30 smoothies per hour, with each smoothie completing in under 60 seconds. The machine operates at under 65 dB, which is comparable to a normal conversation, making it suitable for office breakrooms, hospital lobbies, and other noise-sensitive environments.

For high-traffic locations where demand exceeds a single machine's capacity, multiple Smoodi machines can be installed side by side. Each unit operates independently and blends simultaneously. Two or three machines together can occupy roughly the same footprint as a single large beverage kiosk while delivering significantly higher total throughput.

Where Does Smoodi Operate?

Smoodi operates in more than 300 locations across the United States. Deployments span a wide range of commercial environments.

• Universities and college campuses
• Hospitals and healthcare systems
• Corporate offices and coworking spaces
• Fitness centers and athletic clubs
• Hotels and hospitality venues
• Airports and travel hubs
• Convenience stores and grocery retailers
• Sports and entertainment venues

Smoodi's fruit cups are distributed nationally through Dot Foods, making supply chain logistics straightforward for operators in any region of the country.

"We were looking for ways to give our employees healthier options - smoodi was the answer. It tastes great, our team loves it."

— Eric Rose, President & COO, Shoreham Bank

How Do Operators Get Started?

The process for adding a Smoodi machine to a facility typically begins with a site assessment to confirm that the location meets the electrical, water, and drain requirements. Smoodi's team works with the operator to determine the best placement within the facility, select a pricing program (lease or purchase), and coordinate installation and initial stocking.

To begin a conversation about bringing Smoodi to your location, visit getsmoodi.com/get-started. To estimate the revenue potential and return on investment for your specific facility, visit getsmoodi.com/roi.