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MVT Spotlight: Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Wednesday March 15, 2017

Tropical Smoothie Café, operated by franchisee Oubab Khalil, will be opening in late March 2017 at 425 Eye Street, next to Orangetheory Fitness. This café will be the first for Tropical Smoothie in Washington, DC and the MVT CID is thrilled that once again, a business franchise chose the Triangle to launch their expansion into DC. From fresh and healthy smoothies to wraps and flatbreads, Tropical Smoothie Café is committed to bringing a delicious new menu to MVT residents, office tenants and visitors. We asked Oubab to tell us more about the café and his decision to locate here.

MVT CID: Oubab, tell us about your decision to locate in Mount Vernon Triangle and the factors that made the neighborhood appealing.

Oubab Khalil: Well to be honest it was love at first sight. MVT is a great, balanced community that has the right mix of retail, business and residences. When I was walking the neighborhood at various times, and I got the pleasure to talk to several residents and people who work in the Triangle, I became even more confident that I made the right decision to be part of this awesome community.

MVT CID:  What makes Tropical Smoothie Café so popular in our region and across the US?

Oubab Khalil: I was a fan and regular customer of Tropical Smoothie Café before I became a franchisee or, as I view it, a small business owner. Tropical Smoothie Café truly inspires a healthier life style without compromising the taste. You will get full, get great nutrition, feel better and pay a competitive price. We use the best ingredients to make over the top smoothies, wraps and sandwiches.

Tropical Smoothie is fast casual dining with a five-star customer service dining experience. Also, we offer great menu items that fit all three meals a day and of course a great afternoon snack.

MVT CID:  Where do you fit in among the current MVT food options?

Oubab Khalil: I believe people will view us as cozy, fast casual dining. However, I see us as a unique option for the MVT CID. The wraps, flatbreads and sandwiches we offer are unique and quite different from our competition. The meal option where you can get a smoothie, food item and a great side is unique to us.

MVT CID:  Tell us about the planned opening and items you would like to highlight on your menu.

Oubab Khalil: First, I would like to highlight the amazing people who make this happen. Mike, my younger brother, is the hardest working human being with a great attitude and never tires of smiling and making people happy. He could be doing five things and he would never miss welcoming our customers the moment they enter the cafe. Ahmed, my friend and partner, will be the general manager at the DC location. Ahmed always make sure people are 150% happy before leaving the cafe. We are working to have a soft opening where we invite our neighbors and residents to try some of our food and smoothies. I would definitely recommend trying the Chipotle Chicken Flatbread paired with an Island Green Smoothie or Chia Banana Boost Smoothie. For morning energy, I recommend the Health Nut; for an afternoon snack, you can’t go wrong with a Sunrise Sunset Smoothie and for dinner, a Peanut Butter Paradise or Bahama Mama will give you a tropical taste after a long day at work.

We will feature a smoothie and a food item for the Grand Opening that will be announced soon.

MVT CID: Tell us a little bit about yourself – what are your favorite things to do in DC and in the MVT?

Oubab Khalil: I am a Syrian attorney who believes in the American Dream. I came to this country in 2006 armed with determination to work hard and become a business owner. I worked at Steak and Shake and Red Lobster where I learned a lot about the food industry in the U.S.  Then I transitioned to property management and real estate and I worked in Fayetteville, Arkansas and Plano, Texas. The highlight of my life is my better half, Lama, who is a Ph.D. Candidate in Comparative Literature. Lama and I have one four-legged baby; her name is Lily. We adopted her back in Arkansas and she is now 7 years old and in good health. Lily’s favorite smoothie is Chia Banana with Peanut Butter and Lama’s favorite smoothie is the Rockin Raspberry without Turbinado.

Lama, Lily and I like to walk around DC. Lily knows the Georgetown area very well. All of us love to watch the sunset while walking on the Key Bridge.

I love happy hour at our neighbor Silo and always invite people to Ottoman Taverna when I want to impress my friends. And you can’t go wrong with Busboys & Poets or Shouk when you want something cozy and quick. 

MVT CID: Thank you, Oubab and we can’t wait to visit!

Note: Tropical Smoothie Café is now hiring for food service positions. Interested applicants can email to oubabkhalil@gmail.com. Stay tuned for more info on promotions, events and resident discounts.

 

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