Venus Williams is well known on the tennis court. She became a professional at the age of 14, beating the world’s fiftieth best player in her first match. In addition to winning multiple Grand Slam singles championships and becoming a three-time Olympic Gold Medalist, she graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Fashion Design from the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale. This accomplished professional athlete also has a successful fashion line, EleVen by Venus Williams, and a thriving interior design firm, V Starr Interiors. Now she’s turning her attention to Jamba Juice.
 
In April, Jamba had more than 740 locations in 24 states and several overseas markets. The company owned 308 stores operated stores and an additional 436 were operating under franchise agreements. The has recently signed a non-binding letter of intent with Venus Williams to form a joint venture that initially plans to develop up to five Jamba Juice stores in the Washington D.C./Maryland market during the next 2 years. The agreement also allows for the possibility of a long-term relationship. Venus will have a chance to expand with exclusive rights throughout the economically booming Washington D.C./Maryland market place.

Jamba sells a popular line of fresh and healthy fruit smoothies, fruit juice that is squeezed fresh in its stores, hot beverages for those wanting caffeine instead of healthy alternatives, a selection of wraps, salads, and sandwiches for lunch or dinner, and a variety of baked goods. Company chairman, president and CEO James D. White, noted in the announcement that “This partnership is a perfect match between two brands that are both passionate about creating viable and healthy communities while helping people achieve their lifestyle goals of being more active and eating better.”

Jamba’s stock has lagged the market recently, but analysts expect better performance in the months ahead. They are projecting gains of about 25% in the stock price over the next year. These gains may prove to be on the low side if the company meets the realistic sales and earnings forecasts offered by the analysts. Long-term double digit growth seems very likely for a company offering healthy and tasy products.

Partnering with a successful business woman and popular tennis star like Venus Williams can help Jamba Juice move rapidly into a new market with a lots of potential, both for the company and investors in the stock.