Smoothies Plus, Inc

Smoothies Plus, Inc. presents a unique and somewhat unconventional business model in Hensley, Arkansas. Located at 24005 Arch Street Pike, it positions itself as more than a typical juice and smoothie bar, branching out into services that include a full ice cream counter and, most notably, indoor tanning facilities. This combination creates a one-stop shop for patrons looking for either a healthy treat or an indulgent dessert, with the added, and unusual, convenience of tanning services under the same roof. The business is operational with options for both dine-in and takeout, and features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, though it does not offer delivery.

The Core Offerings: Smoothies and More

At its heart, Smoothies Plus, Inc. is a smoothie shop dedicated to providing healthy beverage options. According to its own marketing, the smoothies are crafted from 100% real fruit puree and are advertised as all-natural, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, fat-free, and free from added sugars or artificial colors. This focus on clean ingredients is a significant draw for health-conscious consumers. The menu showcases a diverse range of blends, each enhanced with specific functional boosts.

For those seeking detoxification and vegetable intake, the Harvest Green + Detox smoothie combines leafy greens like kale and spinach with fruits for a balanced flavor. Patrons in need of an energy lift can opt for the Superfruit All-Star + Energy, which is packed with antioxidant-rich berries like açaí and goji, and fortified with guarana extract for a natural stimulant effect. The menu also includes options aimed at digestive health, such as the Aloha Pineapple + Prebiotic and the Tropical Harmony + Aloe, as well as immunity-boosting choices like the Mellow Mango + Immunity blend. This specialized menu demonstrates a clear effort to cater to various wellness goals, moving beyond simple fruit blends into the realm of functional nutrition.

In addition to these wellness-focused healthy drinks, the establishment offers a selection of protein shakes. Options like Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookies and Cream, and Strawberry Banana are made with whey protein and almond milk, targeting customers looking for post-workout recovery or a meal replacement. The offerings extend further into a wider food menu, which includes wraps, paninis, salads, bowls, and various toast options, positioning Smoothies Plus as a viable lunch or light dinner spot.

The "Plus": Ice Cream and Tanning Services

Indulgent Treats

Balancing its healthy offerings, Smoothies Plus also features a full ice cream bar serving Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, a brand known for its premium quality. This duality allows the business to cater to different moods and customer types—one can indulge or be healthy, as their tagline suggests. One of the few available customer reviews specifically praises the ice cream, indicating that this side of the business is a strong point and is appreciated by patrons.

The Tanning Salon Component

The most distinctive feature of Smoothies Plus is its integration of a tanning salon. Information from the business reveals that it actually began as a tanning salon that added smoothies, not the other way around. This origin story explains the unusual business combination. They offer tanning sessions at various price points, including a single session for $12.50, a package of five visits for $50.00, and an unlimited monthly package for $75.00. This pricing is comparable to the $73 figure mentioned in a customer complaint, confirming the price range for their premium services. While the convenience of this dual-service model is clear, its execution has been a significant point of contention based on customer feedback.

A Tale of Two Experiences: The Customer Service Divide

An analysis of customer feedback reveals a stark and concerning contrast in experiences, creating a confusing picture for potential visitors. The online presence is thin, with very few reviews available, but the ones that exist are polar opposites. This suggests a significant inconsistency in the quality of service and facility management.

The Positive Perspective

On one hand, there is positive feedback highlighting good customer service and quality products. One patron left a 5-star review stating simply that the "Ice cream was great and customer service was good." This brief but positive comment suggests that the staff is capable of providing a pleasant and satisfactory experience. Further positive remarks can be found on their app's review page, with users praising the "Great food and amazing customer service." These comments paint a picture of a friendly local spot where customers can enjoy a treat and feel welcomed.

The Negative Perspective

However, a highly detailed 2-star review presents a completely different scenario, focused almost entirely on the tanning service. This customer described feeling consistently unwelcome, as if their presence was an inconvenience to the staff. The review points to rude interactions with teenage employees who would greet them with an abrupt "name?" and nothing more. This unwelcoming atmosphere is a major deterrent for a service-based business.

More critically, the review highlights significant operational failings. The customer reported that the door on the stand-up tanning bed was broken, a serious issue for both privacy and safety. To encounter broken equipment after paying a premium monthly fee of over $70 is a substantial failure in service delivery and maintenance. This experience led the customer to conclude they would not return, citing the unwelcoming environment and poorly maintained facilities as the primary reasons. Such a review raises serious questions about staff training, management oversight, and the overall commitment to providing a quality experience, particularly for the tanning side of the business.

Considerations for Customers

Smoothies Plus, Inc. is a business with a unique identity, attempting to serve multiple customer needs under one roof. Its extensive menu of fresh smoothies, fruit smoothies, protein shakes, and healthy food options is thoughtfully designed and appealing. The addition of premium ice cream provides a welcome balance for those seeking an indulgent treat.

However, the business appears to be struggling with a significant identity crisis, manifested through inconsistent customer service. While the food and beverage side receives some praise, the tanning service—the original foundation of the business—is the subject of severe criticism regarding both staff attitude and equipment upkeep. The conflicting reviews suggest that a customer's experience may be highly dependent on which employees are on duty and which services are being used.

For potential customers, this means approaching Smoothies Plus with measured expectations. It seems to be a reliable choice for a smoothie, a protein shake, or a scoop of ice cream. The menu is robust and the ingredients are high quality. However, anyone considering the tanning services should be cautious. The reports of rude staff and broken equipment are significant red flags. Until the business can ensure a consistently positive and professional experience across all its offerings, it remains a gamble. It is a place with clear potential, but it must address its operational and service inconsistencies to truly succeed.