Huntley Days: Tropical Smoothie Cafe One of the Businesses Participating

It has been almost a year since Tropical Smoothie Café opened. It has been a busy year.

Co-owner Terri Ward donned an apron and hat with the Tropical Smoothie Café logo Wednesday, helping customers. The business concept — fresh, healthy smoothies and a varied menu — has been successful. She and her husband, Mike, also have succeeded in creating a business with a hometown feel where they know customers by name and know their orders.

Tropical Smoothie Café is one of the businesses participating in Huntley Days, from July 15 to 21. Ward and her family wanted to participate because they feel it is a way to introduce new customers to their café, she said.

The Huntley Chamber of Commerce has a list of other businesses participating and the deals they will be offering. Tropical Smoothie is offering 50 percent off any 24-ounce smoothie with the purchase of any food item (delicious bistro sandwiches, savory wraps, tasty flatbreads, and gourmet salads).

Ward took a few minutes Tuesday to answer some provocative questions from Huntley Patch:

• What kind of reception has Tropical Smoothie received from the Huntley community?

        “I think we’ve received an awesome reception,” Ward said. “Del Webb   (Sun City) loves us, the schools love us. People love the smoothies. People love that the smoothies are so healthy.”

• What the most popular smoothie?

        “The Kiwi Quencher is the most popular in our store,” she said. It is made of kiwi, strawberries and nonfat yogurt. The franchise’s most popular flavor is the Sunrise, Sunset. The café is holding a summer promotion for the smoothie. The next deal is Two Can Dine For $9.99 (drink not included) on Sunday, July 15.

• What smoothie is underappreciated?

        The Gimme 5, Ward said. It has five fruits and vet gables including carrots, banana, orange, goji berry and mango. People say they don’t like carrots, but we say just try it. And they like it, she said.

• What’s the secret to making the perfect smoothie?

        “Consistency,” manager Bryan Coffey said. The consistency has to be right and the ingredients must be blended right, he said. The café uses special ice that helps blend everything together, he said. Ward added “fresh ingredients” are important too.

Tropical Smoothie Café is at 12162 S. Route 47, in front of Walmart.