It’s the perfect blend of sweetness and love. Tropical Smoothie Café will celebrate National Flip Flop Day on June 19 by giving a free 24 oz. Jetty Punch smoothie to all guests wearing flip-flops from 2 to 7 p.m. The Jetty Punch smoothie, made with strawberries and bananas, is the perfect kick-off to summer, and an even better reason to learn about what Tropical Smoothie Café is all about.
When Laura Jankowski became the Long Island Area Developer for Tropical Smoothie Café in 2004, she knew she was about to be a part of something amazing.
“Being with Tropical Smoothie Café for over 10 years, I’ve grown more passionate about our brand and the direction we are going in,” said Jankowski of the café’s innovative menu development and redesign of the summery and breezy décor.
She opened the first Long Island location in 2006 in East Northport. The business currently has 15 Long Island locations—including Levittown, Hicksville and Merrick—with several more in development.
“My passion for the brand deepens with being a member of the TAG (Tropical Advisory Group) team. This core group of six area developers meets quarterly with the Leadership team at the support center in Atlanta where we further support the future of our brand’s overall growth.”
So why the flip flop event? According to Jankowski, it was a way to kick start summer and to thank customers for their loyalty.
“From the first year, it was a great success and has been a very rewarding give back event that our customers truly look forward to each year,” said Jankowski, who added that many franchisees decided to try and raise money for charities the first year. “The support center began the search for the perfect charity partner on a national level as a response to the desire of the franchise community to do more than give away free smoothies. After extensive research, Camp Sunshine was introduced to us and it was love at first sight.”
Camp Sunshine, a retreat for children with life threatening illnesses and their families, was a natural fit. Located on Lake Sebago in Casco, ME, the camp is a resort style facility that is supported by a small staff and large group of volunteers.
Jankowski and her family have been volunteering at the camp during “Tropical Smoothie Week” for the past eight years.
“It is extremely enjoyable for each member of the family, as well as all the volunteers, to take part in such a place,” said Jankowski, adding that the children are grouped by age and have exciting activities planned each day. “From the moment the families begin to arrive, they are warmly greeted by the mascots on campus and the first ‘yellow shirt’ volunteers. It is truly a highlight for us.”
In addition to the freebies at all Tropical Smoothie locations, including 3519B Hempstead Tpke., Levittown, CEO Mike Rotondo will walk the length of Manhattan in flip flops to collect donations that will go directly to the organization while handing out smoothies at designated locations along the way. The goal is to hit $1 million this year and with so many delicious smoothies to choose from, the goal is definitely reachable.
“I have had several ‘favorites’ over the 10 years I’ve been with Tropical Smoothie Café and have always been a big fan of the superfood category,” said Jankowski. “My new favorite has been the Detox Island Green since it was released earlier this year. Nationally, the Island Green is the favorite. Following close behind is the brand new Avocolado smoothie made with avocado, spinach, kale, pineapple, lime and coconut.”
With every year that passes, Jankowski has found it hard to top the feeling of presenting a check to Camp Sunshine.
“It truly is our main driving force during the donation campaign. National Flip Flop Day is a time to celebrate our charity partner in a way that invites the community to participate on a much larger scale,” she said. “Introducing Camp Sunshine to local customers and witnessing the generosity of their giving hearts makes this event worth repeating each year.”
For more information, visit www.tropicalsmoothie.com.
