Getting away on a tropical vacation once a year sometimes just isn’t enough. Ruth and Dave Buko are giving patrons of their new
Tropical Smoothie Café in
East Lansing the ability to do it a little more often.
“It’s a ten-minute vacation to get away from it all,” says Ruth Buko. “It’s a tropical environment, the music will be going – you go on vacation and when you get back you just feel better. Hopefully people will feel that way when they leave here too.”
The new Tropical Smoothie Café opened on Grand River last week, and the 1,600 square foot space has already seen a good deal of visitors. So many that the Bukos have ordered additional tables and chairs, which will bring the restaurant’s capacity up to 49.
The Bukos were attracted to the idea of opening a Tropical Smoothie Café because of the business’ emphasis on fresh fruit and produce and affordable food options. The former Blimpie location required significant renovation, and the Bukos hope to add a patio for outdoor dining this summer. The café currently employs 20.
As the restaurant continues to grow, Buko hopes to expand their catering options, as well as expand the local footprint of Tropical Smoothie Café.
“We have a second franchise and we are hoping to open an little express café in the area around Grand River,” Buko says. “We’re playing it by ear to see how it goes here.”
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