by Emily Remaklus
With talk of subzero temperatures and blizzards hitting the area in the upcoming months, it’s nice to have thoughts of something a little more tropical. Tropical Smoothie Café has been bringing a taste of Florida to Northwest Ohio since 2007, when Julie and Bill Munson opened the Maumee location. With the success of that café, a second location was opened in Rossford. Now the Munsons are bringing Tropical Smoothie Café to Monroe Street this month, November 7. Milestone opening Tropical Smoothie Café started as a small smoothie stand on a Florida beach. Now the franchise will be celebrating a milestone with the opening of the Monroe Street location. According to owner Julie Munson, “It’s the 400th café to open and it’s a big to-do! We’re planning a big opening celebration.” The grand opening of this milestone will be attended by officials of the franchise and is open to the public. Those attending will have the opportunity to win prizes such as free smoothies for a year, gift cards, blenders, and t-shirts. With this café’s opening, Tropical Smoothie Café will bring their new interior design to the Toledo area. According to Munson, the Cafe is one of the first stores with the new beach theme. Unlike the previous tropical color design, the new Tropical Smoothie Café will use a white and aqua color scheme. The new interior design also includes a smoothie bar where customers can watch as the smoothies are made. Delicious and healthy Tropical Smoothie prides itself in using fresh and simple ingredients. It’s a restaurant that truly focuses on healthy eating, and one of the only national restaurants that gives a variety of choices to vegetarians. Not only are vegetable wraps offered, but Beyond Meat Chicken-Free Strips (a vegetarian chicken) is available for sandwiches and wraps as well. Though the sandwiches and wraps are delicious, what the franchise is best known for are its smoothies. According to Munson, “Our top smoothie is Island Green which has spinach, kale, mango, pineapple, and banana.” With these smoothies, customers can choose from a variety of supplements which can be added for different health benefits. Munson suggested a smoothie with some whey and protein for a breakfast that will keep you full and energized all morning. Whether at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these smoothies will not disappoint. So as the weather starts to get a little chilly, take a trip to the beach—or Monroe Street—for a tropical treat. Tropical Smoothie Café is located at 5221 Monroe Street, Suite E, open 7am-9pm Monday-Thursday, 7am-10pm Friday, 8am-9pm Saturday, and 9am-9pm Sunday.
