January 2026

This case study is part of the International Franchise Association’s ongoing effort to spotlight how franchise brands are re-engineering value, improving customer experience, and strengthening franchisee performance by thoughtfully rethinking traditional processes and embracing innovation.

We interviewed Jim Holthouser (former CEO, GoToFoods) and Nathan Louer, Chief Brand Officer, Jamba about their Hello Sunshine platform.

 

What was the challenge or opportunity your innovation addressed?

As consumer expectations continue to evolve, GoTo Foods and its brands recognized a shared opportunity: meeting a new generation of guests who demand speed, value, personalization, and convenience—without trade-offs.

“At GoTo Foods, we saw an opportunity to help our brands meet a new generation of guests who expect speed, value and personalization without trade-offs,” said CEO Jim Holthouser. “As a platform company, we use shared technology, insights and innovation to help every brand perform better.”

For Jamba specifically, the challenge was twofold. The brand needed to modernize how guests engaged—particularly in digital and in-store ordering—while preserving the sense of joy, flavor, and positivity that defines Jamba’s identity.

“The opportunity was to deliver a best-in-class guest experience through improved meal options and an effortless digital experience,” said Chief Brand Officer Nathan Louer. “Our challenge was evolving Jamba while keeping the joy and flavor guests associate with the brand.”

“Innovation works best when it’s built for both the guest and the franchisee.”
— Jim Holthouser, former CEO, GoToFoods

What did your brand do—what was the project or initiative?

The result was Hello Sunshine—a holistic brand refresh that reimagined Jamba across store design, digital experience, and menu strategy.

From a platform perspective, GoTo Foods supported Jamba through shared enterprise capabilities, including design resources, data insights, and technology infrastructure. This allowed the brand to move faster while maintaining consistency and scalability across locations.

“Hello Sunshine is a strong example of platform company innovation at work,” Holthouser explained. “The prototype is designed to enhance operational consistency, support franchise performance, and deliver a more connected guest experience through digital integration and loyalty.”

At the brand level, Jamba reimagined every guest touchpoint. The new prototype introduced:

  • Self-order kiosks to improve speed and reduce friction

  • Digital merchandising screens to simplify decision-making

  • Dedicated pickup zones to support digital and off-premise orders

Menu innovation was equally critical. Jamba launched Over Ice beverages and the Bites menu, adding affordable, snackable options that expanded the brand beyond traditional smoothie occasions.

“These changes help guests see Jamba not just as a treat,” Louer said, “but as a go-to stop for snacking as a meal, any time of day.”

 

How were franchisees and the franchisor involved?

Franchisee input played a central role in shaping Hello Sunshine from the outset.

Jamba’s Franchise Advisory Councils were directly involved in defining the new brand positioning—insight that informed decisions across store layout, menu design, and operational flow.

“Their feedback helped ensure the final prototype supported operational efficiency, team member ease, and a consistent guest experience systemwide,” Louer said.

This collaborative approach helped balance innovation with real-world execution, ensuring that changes not only elevated the guest experience but also worked on the ground for franchise owners and their teams.

 

What were the results?

Hello Sunshine continues to roll out across the system, but early indicators are encouraging.

From an enterprise perspective, the initiative is designed to deliver:

  • Improved operational flow

  • Fewer friction points in ordering and fulfillment

  • A more seamless, digitally connected guest journey

“Our aim is clear,” Holthouser said. “Deliver a more seamless and convenient guest experience while supporting franchisees with an efficient, scalable model.”

At the brand level, Jamba is seeing positive signals as the refreshed format and new value-driven menu additions expand appeal and encourage more frequent visits.

“These innovations aim to position Jamba as a go-to choice throughout the day,” Louer noted. “Our focus remains on tracking how these offerings enhance accessibility, drive repeat visits, deepen loyalty, and support overall franchise performance as we refine and scale the model.”

 

Anything you’d do differently if you could?

Both leaders emphasized the importance of balancing speed with discipline.

“Our main learning was to keep balancing speed with thoughtful testing,” Holthouser said. “Innovation works best when it’s built for both the guest and the franchisee.”

For Louer, the experience reinforced the value of even earlier feedback loops.

“If we could do anything differently, it would be to bring guest and franchisee feedback into the process even earlier,” he said. “But overall, we’re proud of how this work continues to elevate the brand. It’s modern, efficient, and unmistakably Jamba.”

 

This case study is part of the International Franchise Association’s ongoing series highlighting how franchise leaders are re-engineering value by reducing friction, integrating technology thoughtfully, and empowering franchisees to deliver better experiences for customers and buyers alike.

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