Don Gatzemeier is no stranger to franchising, or healthy brands.
So, when he was presented with an opportunity to bring Main Squeeze Juice Co. to Arizona markets, he jumped. The opportunity comes in the form of a development agreement, allowing Gatzemeier to open up to 30 locations across the Grand Canyon State.
Gatzemeier already owns and operates 15 units across three brands: Amazing Lash Studio, Club Pilates and Elements Massage. The entrepreneur has been in franchising since 2013, after he left the aerospace industry where he was an engineer.
“When I did this, my engineering buddies though I was nuts, saying ‘it’s a very risky thing you’re doing,’” Gatzemeier said. “I was raised on a small farm in Montana, though, which is itself a small business, so I always had an aspiration to go out and do things on my own.”
Rather than continue on an engineering route, Gatzemeier decided to look at other options, and figured franchising would make any ownership easier.
“The thing I liked about franchising is you’re following a recipe someone has already come up with, and if you follow that recipe I believe you will be successful,” Gatzemeier said.
Main Squeeze Juice Co.Franchise Developer Don Gatzemeier.
Gatzemeier started franchising with an Elements Massage unit and acquired more over time. He then opened three Club Pilates units from 2017-2019, and then acquired several Amazing Lash Studios in 2020.
Through a connection at Amazing Lash, Gatzemeier learned about Main Squeeze Juice Co., a brand based in New Orleans. Founded in 2016, Main Squeeze Juice Co. has been franchising since 2017 and today has 29 units.
The fast casual juice and smoothie bar has a focus on healthy ingredients. The latter helped sell Gatzemeier on the concept.
“It’s all about health and wellness and I’m already in that sector,” Gatzemeier said. “I know it’s a food concept, but it’s still about being healthy and feeling healthy. Originally, I didn’t want to go into a food brand, but knowing where these guys were at as far as a young brand goes, I was really impressed with what they had to offer. That’s why I decided to go forward.”
Gatzemeier entered the development agreement with Shawnae Stollenwerk, the area manager of his Amazing Lash Studios, and the duo’s goal is to open five in the next year. Gatzemeier said they’re looking to open locations in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Prescott and Tucson.
“Arizona is an active, outdoor lifestyle market,” Gatzemeier said. “We have sun 300-plus days out of the year. I anticipate it will be one of the top markets in the country for Main Squeeze. A lot of people here have a healthy outlook on life.”
In addition to tapping the health food market, Gatzemeier said the brand will catch on because of how the product is made.
“Our juices are all cold pressed, not pasteurized, while a lot of the competition is pasteurized,” Gatzemeier said. “We’re fresh, and you’re getting the full nutrient load of two to four fresh fruits and vegetables in each juice. The smoothies include only fresh ingredients, too. There’s no dairy or ice. It makes being healthier easier.”