Going Down Smoothly
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Opens Whitestown Location
Writer / Julie Yates
Photographer / Krystal Dailey
Be prepared to enjoy a unique taste experience at the Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Whitestown. Many people think of smoothies,
especially the green ones, as something consumed by health-conscious individuals who dont mind blandness or the taste of grass. Thats not the case at the newly opened eatery, located on Perry Worth Road. Visitors are amazed when they sample the flavor combinations of the smoothies, and the food served. Open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., its easy to choose something healthy and delicious for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
We like to watch the faces of customers when they take the first sip, says Jamie Volpert, co-owner and operator. Most actually say Wow! because its not like anything they have ever had before. Another thing that surprises people is we sell food. Everything has a beach vibe, from the fresh fruits and vegetables to our decor.
The Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Whitestown is the sister shop to another location in Zionsville. Part of a group that began in Destin, Florida, it seeks to give its patrons a bit of tropical paradise right in their own backyard. When Volpert was exploring the opportunity to be a franchise owner, it was clear that opening two stores in growing Boone County was important to the company.
Ever have a smoothie made from avocado? The popular Avocolada includes avocado blended with coconut and lime. Four categories of smoothies are featured: Super Veggies, Balanced Fusions, Fruit Blends and Tropical Treats. Volpert says its all about the taste, and a few of his favorites are Bahama Mama, which includes pineapple and coconut, colorful Sunrise Sunset, and Mango Magic. Nine different supplements such as Probiotic, Vitamin C Complex and Fat Burner can be added. There are three different kid-size flavors.
Cut-up fruits and vegetables are loaded into blender cups to make every smoothie, Volpert says. Besides other fruits, each 
location uses 100 pounds of bananas and 100 pounds of strawberries every day. They can be made with or without sugar. Tropical Smoothie Cafe works with sports nutritionists and coaches who order them for their teams. Athletes are concerned about what they put into their body. Some people add protein powder or B12 to make the smoothie one of their meals.
The food is healthy but fun, Volpert adds. Kids love the quesadillas and Im amazed at how many adults order the Smoky Grilled Cheese. Some favorites are the Caribbean Jerk Chicken, Hummus Veggie and Thai Chicken wraps. There are flatbreads, sandwiches, salads and several breakfast options.
In March of this year, Volpert and his wife headed to Las Vegas to meet up with other franchise owners. Chefs from Atlanta, where the companys headquarters is now based, were on hand to hear feedback after rounds of taste testing. The chefs suggest pairings of the food and smoothies, and each quarter they develop special seasonal offerings. Featured this summer will be a Watermelon Mojito smoothie.
Kids really seem to like the smoothies, but we serve a range of ages, about half adults and half young people, Volpert says. We do a ton of catering from sports teams to corporate lunches and dinners. Plus, its all about giving back to the community. We have donated smoothies to Riley Dance-athons and a fundraiser for Crohns disease. The great thing was that individuals with Crohns disease could consume the smoothies without having any side effects.
Our staff is so well-versed on flavors that they can suggest what smoothie goes best with what food, Volpert continues. We love bringing the beach vibe to Whitestown and we want everyone to find the flavor they love.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Whitestown is located at 6075 Perry Worth Road, Suite 100. View the menu at tropicalsmoothiecafe.com, and call 317-768-2833 for more info.
