Don’t let the name fool you. Tropical Smoothie Café in London Square shopping center serves more than delicious fresh fruit smoothies.
When you care about what you eat, this is the place to be. The restaurant serves healthy wraps, sandwiches, soups and salads that are made with fresh veggies, gourmet breads and premium meats and cheeses.
“Many first-time customers come in the restaurant for a smoothie and leave a fan of our food,” said Brad Shellen, who owns and operates the franchise with his wife, Marilu. “We’re not your typical fast food restaurant. People are very surprised by the variety and the healthy choices on our menu.”
Customer Eduardo Gutierrez, CEO of American Medical Academy, said that he and his students enjoy the menu.
“My students include firefighters and emergency medical technicians who are all very health conscious,” Gutierrez said. “We all eat there regularly because we look for healthy food options.”
They found it at Tropical Smoothie Café. “Eat better, feel better” is the motto of the restaurant, which opened in September 2010. Shellen said that when it comes to great food, it’s all in the details — quality ingredients that are creatively combined to make one-of-a-kind taste sensations.
“Members of local sports teams enjoy our healthy options while socializing with their fellow team members after practices or games,” Shellen said.
Try one of the popular bistro sandwiches, such as the Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad or the Turkey Guacamole, or a Toasted Wrap, such as the Thai Chicken, Shellen’s personal favorite. Grilled Flatbreads, like the Baja Chicken, are “flat out delicious anytime” and are only $3.99.
The Wasabi Roast Beef bistro sandwich and the personalized service keep customer Bill Martinez coming back.
“Brad always visits your table to be sure you are happy with your food and the service,” Martinez said.
Tropical Smoothie Café customers rave about the gourmet soups such as lobster bisque and tomato basil, and the generous salads served with or without chicken. Toasted breakfast wraps are only $3.99 and served all day long. Pair one with a smoothie and this breakfast combo is a great way to kick-start the day.
“Our fruit smoothies are an easy way to get your recommended daily servings of fruit,” Shellen said. “The smoothie combinations are endless and we can custom make each smoothie to your liking.”
Power up your smoothie when you “Supp It Up” with a supplement such as protein, vitamins, energizer or heart health. Watch for weekly promotions that offer a free supplement with a 24-ounce smoothie. During the Summertime Somewhere Sweepstakes, you can win one of 12 prizes for a free, one week vacation for two to a Club Med resort or win coupons for discounts on real fruit smoothies or the new Chipotle Chicken Club flatbread sandwich.
Tropical Smoothie Café offers catering and can make your next event, party or meeting a tasteful affair.
Paola Zelaya of J & B Importers orders lunch for the company’s team every Monday.
“Everyone really enjoys the sandwiches and wraps; they’re fresh and healthy, and the smoothies are amazing,” Zelaya said. “They deliver to us and often include cookies and coupons for everyone.”
Supporters of Felix Varela High School and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation have discovered that hosting a “Funraising” event at Tropical Smoothie Café is a successful way to earn money for their favorite cause. Groups can earn up to 20 percent of the total sales during their event.
Tropical Smoothie Café opens daily at 7 a.m. and is located at 13550 SW 120 St. in London Square; phone number 305-251-7570. Become a fan on Facebook for a chance to win prizes and for more information, go online to www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com.
