'Excited to be here': Tropical Smoothie Cafe opens on Frank Phillips Blvd.

Daisy Creager, Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise
·2 min read
Tropical Smoothie Cafe offered a sampling of their smoothies and sandwiches to Bartlesville Chamber of Commerce members that gathered to celebrate the Grand Opening of Tropical Smoothie Cafe on Friday.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe offered a sampling of their smoothies and sandwiches to Bartlesville Chamber of Commerce members that gathered to celebrate the Grand Opening of Tropical Smoothie Cafe on Friday.

Hours after its grand opening early Friday, Tropical Smoothie Cafe was still overflowing with patrons trying free samples of acai smoothies and awaiting their orders.

The eatery, which serves smoothies, sandwiches and wraps, has been met with overwhelming support at its newest location, 3315 E. Frank Phillips Blvd., said Melissa Jackson, vice-president of operations for Dyne Development, which operates the franchise location.

“It’s going really well. We’ve had such a great response from the community, we’re really excited to be here,” Jackson said.

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When the restaurant opened at 7 a.m., employees were met by patrons who had camped out since 6:30 p.m. on Thursday night in hopes of being one of the first 50 customers, who TSC promised to give free smoothies for a year.

Due to the response, the restaurant awarded the year of free smoothies to 75 customers instead, Jackson said.

By 10:30 a.m., TSC had served hundreds of patrons, with no sign of business slowing. Balloons, flags and a blow-up smoothie christened the curb in front of the shop and when the parking lot filled, people began parking at nearby businesses to walk over.

Bartlesville Chamber of Commerce members, Bartlesville High School Cheer Team, and Bruin Mascot gather to cut the ribbon for Friday's Tropical Smoothie Cafe grand opening.
Bartlesville Chamber of Commerce members, Bartlesville High School Cheer Team, and Bruin Mascot gather to cut the ribbon for Friday's Tropical Smoothie Cafe grand opening.

The mascot and cheerleaders from Bartlesville High School performed at the restaurant at 10 a.m. TSC General Manager Jason Riggs said business had been non-stop all morning.

“So far it’s been great. Busy, just like we wanted it to be,” Riggs said.

“A lot of the Tropical Smoothies are in bigger cities and they don’t have a whole lot in cities Bartlesville’s size. To some extent it’s been a guessing game, but they did their market research. … So far I think we’re meeting, if not exceeding those expectations.”

TSC’s opening comes amidst construction of several new businesses and restaurants in Bartlesville. Construction is nearing completion on the new location of Luigi’s Italian Restaurant and is underway on Bricktown Brewery, Schlotzsky’s and Scooter’s Coffee.

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Tropical Smoothie Cafe opens location on Frank Phillips Blvd.