Smoothie King Leaves Louisiana for Texas

One of the most iconic, Louisiana-based brands is packing up their headquarters and headed to the Lone Star State.  The move will eliminate 60 jobs from Metairie, but that's just the beginning.  The delicious and healthy smoothie giant will move operations to an location in North Texas, according to New Orleans' Eater.  CEO Wan Kim says the move will let them take advantage to the "larger talent pool," that Dallas has to offer.

The major blow to the Bayou State isn't necessarily the 60 jobs that have been already cut - it's the major expansion that will not benefit Louisiana or it's citizens.  The company has more than 1000 locations worldwide, and is on the precipice of a major expansion.  That most likely means a huge hiring push that will now be looking for candidates in the Dallas area instead of the New Orleans area.  It's also worth noting that Smoothie Kings biggest competition, Jamba Juice, is also headquartered in Dallas.  Not all of the corporate jobs will be leaving Louisiana, however.  A small corporate office will remain in Metairie.

Currently, these plans will not affect the $40 million sponsorship of the New Orleans Pelicans' NBA stadium.  Smoothie King owns the naming rights of the professional basketball arena until 2024.