Highland Lakes Signs Has Been the Trusted Resource for Tropical Smoothie’s Outdoor Lighted Business Signs

When it comes to outdoor lighted business signs, timing and precision are everything, especially for franchises preparing for grand openings of new locations. In 2023, Highland Lakes Signs had the opportunity to bid on our first Tropical Smoothie Café project, producing lighted exterior business signs for their franchise, and it was an instant success. That initial collaboration opened the door to a lasting relationship with franchise owners across Texas, from Beaumont and La Marque to Houston, Round Rock, and beyond.

From One Project to Many: Building Trust Across Texas

Our first Tropical Smoothie Café project was the result of a successful bid opportunity that Keith identified. After completing that initial sign package on time and to exacting standards, we were recommended to additional franchise owners throughout the state. Today, we’ve completed projects across cities such as Georgetown, Cypress, League City, Mont Belvieu, Nacogdoches, Lake Jackson, and Irving.

What sets us apart? Our ability to meet tight production and installation timelines while navigating the complex permitting requirements that often come with lighted exterior business signs.

We understand that many jurisdictions won’t issue a certificate of occupancy until all signage—building signs, drive-thru menu boards, and directional signs—is installed and operational. We work efficiently to ensure signage requirements don’t delay the start of business operations.

What These Signage Projects Involve

Every Tropical Smoothie Café sign project varies slightly based on location, but most involve:

• 1–3 building signs, depending on strip center visibility and jurisdictional rules (front-facing, side, and rear signs).
  
• Installation of drive-thru menu boards, directional signs to assist customer flow, and custom canopies over drive-thru windows.
  
• Close coordination with local permitting offices to ensure all code requirements are met while maximizing sign size and visibility.

Our in-house permitting specialist works directly with local authorities, landlords, and governing jurisdictions to secure approvals and even negotiate variances for larger, more eye-catching signs that draw more traffic to our clients’ businesses.

Why Tropical Smoothie Café Chose Us

Beyond fabricating and installing lighted exterior business signs, we’re problem solvers. Our team frequently consults on sign sizing, placement, and design mockups while handling every step of the permitting process.

With Tropical Smoothie Café, consistency in branding is key, so we ensure that every sign we produce reflects the franchise’s standardized design while being customized for the specific property.

Overcoming Challenges With Permitting

Permitting challenges are common in commercial sign projects. Some jurisdictions limit sign dimensions or lettering height, even when the total square footage falls within code.

In these cases, our team steps in to negotiate variances that give our clients a competitive visual advantage.

Additionally, the permitting process can sometimes cause delays. To avoid jeopardizing grand opening timelines, we partner with a network of trusted fabricators and installers, allowing us to accelerate production and installation when time is tight.

The Value of Experience

Working with a well-known franchise like Tropical Smoothie Café gives us a unique advantage: standardization. Because we’ve completed so many of these sign packages, we know exactly what it takes to fabricate and install each component, giving us a proven cost structure and streamlined workflow. This allows us to deliver projects that are both efficient and cost-effective.

Looking for Outdoor Lighted Business Signs?

Whether you own a standalone store or operate within a strip center, your signage is often the first impression customers have of your business. At Highland Lakes Signs, we specialize in creating lighted exterior business signs that are built to last, compliant with local regulations, and designed to get noticed.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can bring your brand to life with professional, high-quality exterior signage.