Self-described 'beach bum' opens first area Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Brian Guinter is attempting to bring the tropics to Barrington and beyond.

Customers will find indoor palm trees, island-inspired murals and tiki hut canopies at Tropical Smoothie Cafe at 500 N. Hough St. The new shop features wraps and gourmet sandwiches with a healthy flair and smoothies with fun names like Paradise Point and Beach Bum.

This is the first franchise in Illinois for the growing company based in Destin, Fla. The company rated one of the fastest growing franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine. With about 300 stores across the U.S., Guinter plans to expand the concept rapidly in this area.

The cafe has tried to position itself different than other options in the healthy drink category in that it also puts a strong emphasis on food.

For example, the Tuscan turkey sandwich with Boar's Head turkey topped with spicy pepper jack cheese, romaine lettuce and vine-ripened tomatoes adorned in balsamic vinaigrette dressing is a popular pick. Wraps at the eatery sell for $6.49 while low-fat smoothies go for $4.49.

The smoothies are made with 100 percent real fruit, Guinter said. There are some that are healthy, including the Health Nut made with strawberries, bananas, mango, blueberries, almonds and whey protein.

"I'm finding that people are looking for healthier alternatives," Guinter said. "Moms are coming in here thanking me for offering a healthy choice."

The Northbrook resident said the establishment, which opened in February, is beating his expectations.

"I have between 400 and 500 people coming in a day," he said. Opening the store during the dead of winter was a risk considering half his menu is frozen drinks. The tropical atmosphere and a drive-through may have helped.

Guinter, 52, said the theme is perfect for him as he grew up on the New Jersey Shore and is a self-proclaimed beach bum. Guinter's wife, Jody Galloway, who grew up in Barrington, assists with the operation when she's not working at Morgan Stanley.

Guinter and his wife discovered the franchise while they were visiting his ailing parents in northern Virginia. His father asked for a smoothie every day and Guinter would stop at a Tropical Smoothie near the hospital.

He investigated the concept after his offer to purchase a surf shop in Chicago didn't develop.

Prior to launching the business, Guinter, a Notre Dame University graduate, was in the sports marketing industry.

The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call (847) 277-7590.