Franchise Lawsuits Are Rocking a Minnesota-Based Smoothie Bowl Company | Eater Twin Cities

"I learned that the Minnesota-based smoothie bowl chain Nautical Bowls, founded in 2017 by Bryant and Rachel Amundson with its first location in Minnetonka and a 2020 second spot in Eden Prairie (plus a 2019 food truck), quickly became popular but later faced serious franchisee lawsuits after partnering with former Snap Fitness founder Peter Taunton. Franchise owners allege Taunton exaggerated earnings—promising a 22% profit margin, $16,000 weekly gross, immediate profitability, and no working capital—yet many reported losing $10,000–$20,000 per week, forcing closures and massive personal losses; one couple said they paid about $100,000 for three locations and were told the stores were "in the green," while another owner, Matt Riggs, estimates $700,000–$800,000 in losses and sold his family home. Former franchisees also alleged Taunton used shame and manipulation to blame them for failures and sought to re-sell stores "for pennies on the dollar"; Taunton denied the claims as "baseless and frivolous" and has filed petitions to dismiss the suits, and Nautical Bowls says it parted ways with him when his vision diverged from the founders' purpose." - Justine Jones