Tropical Smoothie Cafe: Blending Mission and Values to Inspire Better

The summer is the perfect time to pause, take a sip, and reflect on the many ways locally owned, small businesses give back throughout the year. One such company, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, blends its commitment to community into its overall company vision: Inspire Better.

Last November, they announced a partnership with No Kid Hungry to help combat child hunger in America. No Kid Hungry believes that no child in America should go hungry as sadly, one in eight children face food insecurity, and Tropical Smoothie knew it could make a difference.

“Our new partnership with No Kid Hungry helps fulfill our mission to spread sunshine and inspire better within our communities,” said Charles Watson, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Café, LLC. “We believe in serving food and smoothies that truly nourish our guests and our communities, which is why partnering with a leading national nonprofit focused on connecting kids with healthy meals is the perfect alliance for us.”

As part of their announcement, they brought back the popular Sunshine Smoothie for a limited time, with $1 of that smoothie going to No Kid Hungry. They also provided opportunities for customers to get involved by participating in a round-up at the register program. As a result, they raised $670,000, or the equivalent of 6.7 million meals, during their month-long effort. This year, they’re aiming to raise even more. And, by expanding the timing from one month in 2022 to more than seven months in 2023, they’ll be able to give back even more.

Knowing that all small business owners have issues near and dear to their hearts, and that every community’s needs differ, Tropical Smoothie also supports individual franchisees in their community outreach efforts. DYNE Hospitality Group’s Jacksonville Cafes sponsors the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville, and in Little Rock, they support The Centers, a nonprofit providing mental and behavioral health services.

In addition, Tropical Smoothie Cafe has been a long-time supporter of Franchising Gives Back (FGB), a core program of the IFA Foundation. For the past three years, FGB has hosted an Annual Day of Giving at the IFA Annual Convention, where Tropical Smoothie has provided smoothies, wraps or salads to the volunteers who come to lend a hand. Their ongoing commitment has made a difference to so many communities and their ongoing pledge to service continues to inspire others.