Smoothie shop quenches thirst for knowledge, too

Smoothie's have arrived in south Fort Myers and Ben Starr hopes the health nuts and snackers in the area embrace them wholeheartedly.

Starr recently opened a Smoothie King franchise on College Parkway and said customers are pouring in for their unique creations including blueberry heaven, power punch and coconut surprise.

"We have functions to our smoothies with a focus on keeping a healthy athletic lifestyle," said Starr, who is part-owner of the smoothie shop with Cory Dickson. "Everything here has a purpose and we give people quality above all else."

The menu is set into categories that were created at franchise headquarters to meet every specific need from slimming down to snacking right.

"People like what we offer because we take the time to educate them as much as possible about the different proteins and enhancers on our menu," said Starr about the extras people can add for stress relief or muscle building. "It's health-based and fruit-based."

The fruit blended into the smoothies is fresh.

"Some people have a misconception or misinformation and we have to educate them as to what we do," said Starr while standing behind a brightly colored counter surrounded by signage about the drinks. "I like to make them as knowledgeable as possible so they know what they will get when they come here."

That is what Starr hopes will keep them coming back time and time again.

"I'll give you one today and I feel confident that you'll come back tomorrow," Starr said.

Smoothie King has two locations in the Fort Myers area and they are in the process of looking for a third location, said Katherine Meariman, the executive vice president of administration for Smoothie King Franchises Inc.