A neighborhood can feel different when a shop opens its doors with color, care and a clear purpose. Zahira Lehri, president of Planet Smoothie, has been building that feeling across Tampa Bay by turning underused corners into lively destinations that serve something healthy and bring people together.
Lehri’s recent run began with a turnaround. She acquired a struggling franchise, rebranded the space, rebuilt standards and reintroduced the store to its neighbors through outreach and partnerships that signaled a fresh start. Momentum followed with another location near a major hospital where the team created a simple gift card program that allowed departments to celebrate milestones and care for staff with quick, refreshing options. The arc widened again through a collaboration with ZooTampa at Lowry Park that brought the brand to families and visitors in an environment that matches the product’s upbeat spirit.
Lehri runs the enterprise on a “three-legged stool” that keeps priorities in balance. Marketing lifts local awareness and community engagement so new customers arrive with intent. Human resources aligns hiring and training with a shared mission so the culture stays positive and focused. Operations turns plans into predictable service with clean processes and consistent hospitality. The framework is practical and it travels from one store to the next without losing personality.
The entrepreneurial story reaches back to a first business purchased in early adulthood when a mentor’s confidence, paired with owner financing, opened a door that might have stayed shut. Lehri learned fast, navigated a recession and went on to invest in real estate. Those lessons now sit inside every decision, manage risk, improve places and set a standard that invites pride.
Workforce development sits at the center of the next phase. Lehri believes people rarely quit on work, they leave leadership, so managers are trained to coach, listen and advance careers. Recruiting blends referrals with selective use of hiring platforms. Onboarding is purposeful and growth paths are visible so teammates see a future inside the brand. The aim is steady retention, confident service and a bench that can support more units without losing pace.
Vision over the coming years is focused. Planet Smoothie will expand across the state with sites chosen for visibility, access and neighborhood fit, then deepen roots through local partnerships, schools and sponsorships. Stores will operate as community hubs where wellness, convenience and friendly service meet. The model is built to scale while keeping decisions close to the guest.
Lehri’s record includes board service with the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce and the Propeller Club of Tampa Bay, a portfolio of roles that reflects commitment to both commerce and community. A Titan 100 Honoree, she measures success in simple moments such as a line that moves quickly, a team that smiles and a partner who renews because the experience feels right. That is how a franchisee becomes a trusted operator and how a brand earns a place in the daily rhythm of a city.
