New smoothie shop to open in Oxford, adding to customer choices

In the hot, August weather, many people are looking for ways to cool off and hydrate themselves. Smoothies tend to do the trick, and while fast food restaurants offer their own options, several other choices exist or are opening soon in town.

Starting in late September, at least three Oxford businesses will sell some kind of smoothie, whether it be in the form of a protein shake or a traditional fruit-based option. While this will allow community members to choose from more options, some are concerned about the effects it could potentially have on local businesses.

Smoothie chain set to open Oxford location soon

Next month, Tropical Smoothie Cafe will be opening a location in Oxford. The business will be taking the spot that used to be occupied by a Little Caesars at 522 S. Locust St. Harsh Patel, one of the owners, said that he hopes the business will bring more jobs to town while also helping people stay healthy.

As of now, Patel says they are not concerned about other smoothie places in town due to their success at other locations. They hope to make around $3,000 to $4,000 a day, with young people as their target customers.

“The youngsters, they love the smoothie options. They are more conscious about the gym and exercise and all the supplements for protein,” Patel said.

By opening this location, Patel said they are looking to provide healthier options, ranging from their standard smoothies to flatbreads and sandwiches. Their menu will also offer a wrap of the day.

Patel said that this business will give the community another option to stop at for a quick meal. They will offer options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

“We are offering good, healthy options to the community, like fresh fruit,” Patel said. “We are following all the guidance from the health department to keep our ingredients fresh.”

Tropical Smoothie Cafe has yet to set an official start date, but as of now they are looking at Sept. 27.

Nearby store offers healthy smoothies as staple item

Since its opening 11 years ago, MOON Co-op has been serving smoothies, on top of their usual grocery options. Located near Capitol Cleaners and TJ Maxx, they offer entirely organic options.

Betsy Torge, the produce manager, said that they are known for their smoothies and sandwiches. While there will always be competition, Torge says they know that their smoothies are a healthy option.

“We have a grocery store here with all fresh produce, and we have a lot of beers and wines,” Torge said. “Our deli is basically all organic, healthy food, and we have a produce section, which is wonderful. We have a lot of local products from local farmers.”

While waiting for their smoothie and sandwich orders, customers are able to browse the rest of the store and pick up some groceries. Unlike many smoothie places, MOON Co-op offers add-ins such as hemp and collagen.

The menu has a smoothie of the month as well as employee favorites listed, but customers are encouraged to mix things up and create their own smoothie. Customers are also able to create their own sandwich.

“It’s not one size fits all. Same with the smoothies. They can create their own smoothie and sandwiches, and we’re known for our breakfast burritos and vegan burritos and our tuna chicken, all that stuff. We’re just good,” Torge said.

Uptown location offers protein-based take on smoothies

Though their sign advertises the business as having “smoothies and refreshers,” Uptown Blends is not a traditional smoothie shop. Instead, the business sells a variety of protein shakes, as well as energy and hydrating refreshers.

Owner Elizabeth Siegle purchased the business, previously known as Red Brick Lounge, after visiting a different location in Hamilton called Healthy Hideout. She said she immediately fell in love with the idea and using the business to give back to the community.

“It’s a different taste. If you want fruit, absolutely go to a smoothie place and have fruit. There’s all kinds of options up here,” Siegle said. “Here, you’re just going to get a full meal instead of a fruit smoothie.”

While they don’t offer a standard fruit smoothie, some of the protein shakes come in fruit flavors, such as blueberry and banana. A fan favorite flavor is peanut butter cup.

The shakes they offer are considered a full meal, ranging from 220 to 250 calories, 24 grams of protein and 21 essential vitamins. It’s a different way to get necessary nutrients, and Siegle says in many ways, customers get more from these shakes than a standard fruit smoothie.

“When you’re trying to have a healthy life, you don’t just want to keep eating fruit,” Siegle said.