SMOOTHIE KING

For 10 Years, Franchise Owner Chris Thomas Has Built Relationships And Provided Delicious And Healthy Smoothies To The Local Community

BY MOLLY RENE

It’s been a hot summer, but you are thrilled to be lounging at the beach. The high-noon sun warms your skin, and you can feel yourself easing into a state of tranquil relaxation. With a book in one hand and a smoothie in another, you know that summer days don’t get much better than this. You take a sip of your Smoothie King Passion Passport smoothie, tasting the delectable blend of banana, pear, and passion fruit, and you sway to the rhythm of the waves.

This has been your go-to since summer started, and you love how it sets the mood for your day. Whether you are lounging by the pool, at the beach, or hustling on your lunch break, it gives you the boost you need to make the day great. With no high-fructose corn syrup, no artificial dyes or preservatives, and no trans fats, you feel good about what you’re drinking. Not to mention the fact that you’ve lost weight! Talk about being bikini-body ready.

You are so thrilled that a quick stop at Smoothie King has become a regular part of your routine, and you can’t imagine a day without them.

Celebrating 10 Years

Chris Thomas, franchise owner of the Lakewood Ranch Smoothie King, moved to the Bradenton area with his wife in 2012 when he decided to open a Smoothie King franchise. Now approaching a milestone anniversary, the franchise has become a beloved local business, and Chris couldn’t be happier.

“I’ve been reflecting on everything that has happened, and we’ve now been in Lakewood Ranch for the last 10 years. In that time, we’ve developed relationships with our customers, various schools, and organizations, and we’ve really been in the community. I now run into people at the grocery store or a baseball game, and we know each other, thanks to the business. Being in and around the community, we get to see people and develop those relationships. Since the beginning, we’ve worked with Lakewood Ranch High School and their football team. We set up a tent and sell smoothies at their home games and some of the proceeds always go to the school. People are able to have a smoothie instead of pizza or nachos, and it’s so much healthier and refreshing. Especially in the Florida heat.

“We also do so much more, like teacher appreciation and coupons, as well as taking free samples of our smoothies to other neighboring businesses. Unlike a lot of franchises, we really are run as a small local business. I don’t have to submit anything to corporate or wait for someone else to approve something that I want to do. If a school or charity wants to do a smoothie night where 20 percent of the sales goes back to them, I can okay it right then. I don’t have to clear it with anyone else, and that’s the difference with a hometown business.

“The last 10 years have been incredible. I don’t know what the future holds, whether it’s another location or something else that Smoothie King has in the works, but in the meantime, we aren’t going anywhere. We are here to stay.”

Quick And Convenient

Diana Kellogg works across the street from Smoothie King, so it’s the perfect spot for a quick and healthy lunch.

“I’ve been going to Smoothie King since 2013 when there was the location at 70 and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, before this one on University opened. I probably go there three to five times a week at this point. I always get the Chocolate Lean 1 and get it with extra cocoa because I love chocolate. It’s a simple and easy meal for me because I spend most of my day on Zoom calls and don’t want to be eating over video. So, I can just take a sip or two instead of eating a full meal. I’ll even get a medium size so that I can drink part of it on my way home and then have the rest at home and just eat something light for dinner.

“Everyone who works there has been nice and wonderful. They are so great. It’s nice to get out of my office and chat with them when I have a break. They always recognize me and know what I order, so I only have to tell them what size I want that day.”

Friendly And Reliable

Daniel Morales used to eat a lot of fast food, but when the pandemic hit, he decided to make a change.

“I used to weigh a lot more and decided to eat cleaner and hit the gym. I replaced the fast food with Smoothie King, and now the Peanut Butter Power Plus is my everyday lunch. I rarely like to eat anything solid for lunch anymore, and I have lost quite a bit of weight.

“There is a Smoothie King near my house and one near my job, so I can always go. I also travel for work and love that there is a Smoothie King in every state. The app makes it very easy to find locations and also to order what you are used to as well. That familiarity is great. There is definitely consistency with their service, and I know that I’m going to be treated the best.

“I always order from the app, and every time they still come out and greet me and tell me to have a great day. I can tell you, every time they are polite and always accommodating.”

Chris Thomas has two convenient Smoothie King locations: 11161 SR 70 East, Suite 101, in Lakewood Ranch, 34202 (941-727-9242); and 8442 Lockwood Ridge Road in Sarasota, 34243 (941-351-9242). Visit their website at www.smoothieking.com. You can also order online through their app which can be downloaded through the Apple or Google Play stores.

Ⓒ Hometown News USA, LLC