Jamba Juice franchise in CA files bankruptcy. What it means for WA’s 22 shops

Twenty-two Jamba Juice locations in Washington state, including two in the Tri-Cities, are not affected by the bankruptcy of one of the chain’s Bay Area franchisees

Valley Juice LLC, a Pleasanton, Calif.-based franchisee with 20 Jamba Juice-branded locations in the San Francisco area, filed for protection from creditors under Chapter 11 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California on Oct. 8.

A post about the Valley Juice bankruptcy was highly-read at tricityherald.com. The post specifically stated the bankruptcy was limited to the California franchise, but it inspired questions about local Jamba Juice locations.

The bankruptcy affects only the California franchisee, which listed in its petition assets between $500,000 and one million, and liabilities between $10 million and $50 million.

The Bay Area franchisee is an independent operator, Jamba Juice said in a statement requested by the Tri-City Herald to clarify the situation.

“We are in close communication with (Valley Juice) to understand their plans to financially restructure and continue operations,” it said.

Tri-Cities Jamba Juices are operated by a different franchisee, Anderson Juice LLC, according to Washington state business records.

The Tri-City outlets are at Queensgate in Richland and on Sandfur Parkway in Pasco. The nationwide chain with more than 850 locations began in San Luis Obispo, Calif., 35 years ago and features vegetable juices, smoothies, oatmeal and yogurt bowls.