Kahala Brands™, a global company in the QSR industry, announced that it has acquired the premium smoothie and coffee brand Maui Wowi Hawaiian® based in Denver, Colorado. This most recent acquisition expands Kahala Brands' list of smoothie concepts to four nationally recognized brands and to 17 brands within its entire portfolio. The purchase of Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies particularly plays a role in the strengthening of Kahala Brands' leadership position in the healthy treats segment.

"Maui Wowi, with 400 mobile carts and 29 standalone retail units operated by 200 franchisees, is a perfect addition to our family of smoothie brands and our portfolio of concepts as whole. This purchase further expands our smoothie footprint to more than 800 locations and allows us to be a part of such a fun concept and fantastic food and flavor profile, where we can bring the great tastes of Hawaii to the mainland and around the world," said Michael Serruya, chairman and chief executive officer of Kahala Brands.

The first Maui Wowi Hawaiian location opened in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1982 when its founders wanted to bring the freshly blended smoothies of Hawaii that they loved to the mainland. Years later, the brand began franchising in 1997, offering its delicious smoothies to an even wider audience and providing franchisees a unique, fun business model promoting all-natural, healthy, high quality products. Today Maui Wowi not only offers smoothies, but an exclusive line of Kona espresso and cappuccino drinks, as well as a gourmet line of authentic blended coffees from Maui, Kona, Kauai, and Molokai. Maui Wowi Hawaiian truly is a distinct and authentic brand that offers the very best of the Hawaiian Islands.