Students and locals have been raving on social media about a fairly new smoothie spot called Smoothie Time.
It’s been open for about a year but I just started hearing great things about it. I was curious about the hype so I decided to make a visit to see what it was like. It’s located in the Cross Creek Square plaza on Capital Circle southeast, just a bit north of the parkway.
What first got my attention was that it’s a local, Black-owned family business. The establishment is owned by husband and wife duo Erick and Abby Smith. Beyond the owners, the staff includes longtime friends of the couple and sometimes even their kids help out. They even go as far as naming some of their menu items after family members like “Sarai’s Surprise” and “Ma Dear’s Chicken Salad.”
When I walked in, I was immediately greeted by both of the Smiths behind the counter. It was during a lunchtime rush and I appreciated being spoken to as soon as I entered. They were very personable and that’s something you typically do not receive at franchise business like a Tropical Smoothie or Smoothie King.
The menu includes all-day breakfast, an assortment of classic sandwiches, and great ice-free smoothies. I ordered the Pink Panther smoothie and Classic BLT. Both were served promptly within 5-7 minutes during a lunchtime rush.
You can tell the Smith duo really cares about their customers with their daily lunch specials and happy hour. Unlike chain smoothie restaurants, there is no added sugar or sweeteners added to the smoothies. Not only is Smoothie Time a healthy food option, but also one that cares about your pockets.
Supporting small, local businesses like Smoothie Time should be the absolute norm. It is a great way to boost the local economy, fuel entrepreneurship and boost community well-being.
Typically, small businesses, especially black-owned ones, are run by real people and not board members and stakeholders. These people are closer to the communities they serve and put their focus and being the best they can be. Local businesses create job opportunities for those who may not be hired by larger corporations.
By supporting Smoothie Time, not only would you be supporting the local economy but circulating the black dollar as well. Black people are some of the top consumers in the country, yet the dollar only stays within the Black community for an average of six hours.
Spending money with local and Black-owned businesses should not be a trend but a way of life.
Smoothie Time will continue to thrive as a business as long as it has support from the community and the students in it.