Tropical Smoothie Cafe plans on taking Colorado on a health trip

Tropical Smoothie Café, known for its healthy food with a tropical twist, entered the Colorado market in October 2013 with the opening of its café in the Denver Tech Center at 5332 DTC Blvd., Greenwood Village.  The second café opened on Nov. 29 at the Streets at Southglenn, 6955 S. York St., Centennial.

A third location will open in early 2014 in the Centennial Promenade on County Line Road. Husband and wife franchisee team, Michelle and Kriss Shriver, currently own and operate three cafés in Nevada and the “Franchisee of the Year” winners recently bought the rights for the franchise in Colorado.  The cafés are in line with increasing consumer demand for healthier food options.  The strong performance of existing cafés explain the rapid growth of the food and smoothie franchise, which currently has over 345 locations throughout the United States.

Tropical Smoothie Café should prove to be a welcome newcomer to the “leanest state in the nation.”  The smoothies are made from superior, simple ingredients with real fruit and natural sugar.  The toasted wraps, bistro sandwiches, grilled flatbreads and gourmet salads are made fresh-to-order with high quality meats and cheeses and topped with fresh produce and flavorful sauces.  All nutritional information is displayed on the Café’s countertops so that customers know what they are ordering.

While Tropical Smoothie Café is a national franchise, Michelle and Kriss Shriver’s focus is local.  They are passionate about giving back and use their businesses to support charities and schools in their communities.

“We are passionate about education and plan on holding ongoing fundraisers for schools.  We are also dedicated to raising money for and promoting awareness of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare skin disorder that causes extreme skin fragility.  We were so happy to be able to use our recent grand opening as a way to shed some light on this little known disease.”   At the opening, the Shriver’s presented a check for $3,000 to Children’s Hospital Colorado’s EB Clinic, which was accepted by Krystle Martinez, whose 4-year old son, Darren, has the disease and attends the CHC’s EB Clinic.  Ongoingly, the Café’s will work with schools to hold fundraising events.