BROOKINGS – “I felt like we needed a place that had smoothies and healthy choices when it came to fast food,” said Ann Park, owner of the Tropical Smoothie Café franchise, which opened. opened on September 16 and now serves customers at 1461 Sixth. St.
Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 7 am to 9 pm; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
While the majority of Smoothie customers are behind the wheel, there are a few tables and chairs inside for anyone who wants to sit and eat. And there is limited parking on site.
Smoothies featured include: Super Vegie with several varieties of fruits and vegetables; Balanced fusion, with a variety of fruits such as bananas and berries; Mixed fruits, tropical treats; and children’s treats, some of which include chocolate and peanut butter.
The menu includes flatbreads, sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, and breakfast options.
And what is a “tropical smoothie”? Smiling, Park noted that a friend of his pointed out that “he’s not a Slurpee.”
“It’s made from ice and water and then there’s fruit,” Park explained. “We use turbinado sugar; it is a more refined sugar. And there are several different combinations. We use fruit and fruit concentrates. Some have yogurt, but they can be made without it. And 98% are dairy free.
Park is originally from Dawson, Minnesota. She came to Brookings to study at South Dakota State University and graduated in 1984.
She is trained as a restorer. She worked as a waitress while attending college.
Later, in what was then Brookings Inn / Days Inn, Park managed the Pavilion, which later became The Ground Round.
“Then I had kids and took time there,” she explained. “I’ve kind of been in the restaurant business for a while. “
The genesis of opening a Tropical Smoothie Café came a few years ago when she traveled to Rapid City to play hockey.
“For all the girls on the team, we had to stop at Tropical Smoothie before bringing them to the rink. And we all thought Brookings needed something like that. Three years later, here it is, ”Park said.
“Come in and give it a try,” Park said, as a recommendation for one of Brookings’ newer alcohol-free restaurants and waterers. “We have been very busy; but I know there are a lot of people in the community who haven’t tried it yet. We would like to see more people pass by. Everything is so good here. I would say our food is a healthier menu.
There are several Tropical Smoothie Cafes in this Midwestern region: two in Rapid City; one in Spearfish, two in Fargo, North Dakota; one in the Twin Cities; and a few in Iowa.
Contact John Kubal at [email protected]
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