Island Flair

Tropical Smoothie Cafe Opens in Zionsville

Writer / Megan Arszman
Photographer / Jon Ellegood

Locals can get a taste of the beach without ever having to leave Indiana, thanks to Tropical Smoothie Cafe opening its fourth store in central Indiana. The new store in Zionsville officially opens in early April.

The company is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. It first opened on the beach in Destin, Florida, bringing an island flair to customers.

Owner and Operator Jamie Volpert works with his wife of 30 years, Angela, and his partners Dave and Ruth Buko, who wanted to bring Tropical Smoothie Cafe to northern Indianapolis starting four years ago. The team aims to open a total of eight stores in the area, and the Zionsville location is number four.

Volpert says the best-selling smoothie offered at his stores is the Detox Island Green, which features kale, spinach, mango and ginger.

“I call it a salad in a cup,” he says.

Tropical SmoothieMost of the smoothies at the cafe are fruit based, so you’ll find combinations featuring pineapple, mango, blueberries and strawberries, with the ability to add greens, chia seeds and more. A variety of supplements can be added to the smoothies such as collagen, vitamin C, pea or whey protein, and others. Start with a featured menu item and you can make it your own with additions to suit your lifestyle and tastes.

“We do a lot of work with different sports teams because of the healthiness of our menu,” Volpert says.

Every day, each central Indiana Tropical Smoothie Cafe uses 100 pounds of bananas and 100 pounds of strawberries while whipping up smoothies for customers.

The rest of the menu also sets Tropical Smoothie Cafe apart from the competition. Freshly made items to satisfy appetites for breakfast, lunch and dinner can keep any diet on track. Sandwiches, wraps, salads, quesadillas and even a kids menu bring fresh taste to mealtime. Volpert’s favorite menu items include the Acai Berry Boost smoothie and the Buffalo Grilled Chicken wrap or Buffalo Chicken salad.Tropical Smoothie

“We do a lot of catering so we’re able to accommodate everyone,” Volpert says.

While Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a national chain, Volpert says the focus is on the local community, especially since he and Angela call central Indiana home. His stores are active within communities and schools, and also participate in charitable activities.

“The communities around us have accepted us tremendously and it’s been a phenomenal rise,” Volpert says. “This has been quite a blessing.”

To find a taste of the islands near you, visit Tropical Smoothie Cafe online at tropicalsmoothiecafe.com. The new store, featuring a drive-through, is located at 11036 North Michigan Road in Zionsville. For more info, call 770-821-1900.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Send me your media kit!

hbspt.forms.create({ portalId: "6486003", formId: "5ee2abaf-81d9-48a9-a10d-de06becaa6db" });