Robeks: A Healthy Change For Fast Food

HERNDON (Wednesday, April 26, 2006) - Starbucks seems to exist on the corner of every commercial district. Pretty soon little Starbucks stores will be built within bigger Starbucks stores simply because the earth can no longer supply space for the coffee giant's monopoly.

David Hutchinson has no desire to join the caffeine empire. He wants to provide the alternative.

Robeks Fruit Smoothies & Healthy Eats of California got its fresh start in 1996. Since then, the chain has expanded throughout the state and across the country to 14 other states, including Washington, D.C.

Hutchinson realized the potential of the Robeks franchise and opened a store in Herndon last November.

"I just liked the concept in general," Hutchinson said. "It's very unique and under-served in the market."

An integral part of the Robeks concept is the menu. The long list of smoothies ranges from a variety of mixed berry and supplement-infused smoothies. Other drinks offer exotic flavors like acai or pomegranate juice, both popular antioxidants. Smoothie prices range from $3.49 to $6.65, depending on size and mixture.

"We only use natural ingredients, no concentrates or sweeteners," Hutchinson said. "And all smoothies are offered with a free nutritional boost."

Nutritional supplements are an important ingredient for Robeks, which has its own proprietary brands. Vitabek, for example, is a multi-vitamin supplement, and Immunibek, as the name implies, is an immunity booster.

"They'll ask what my favorite booster is, and they'll help you out depending on what you're looking for," Herndon resident Pam Ahart said. "This really gives people the opportunity to learn about nutrition and supplements."

Ahart is what some might call a frequent customer.

"I am literally there at least four out of five days," she said. "My accountant's getting a little concerned, but I could have worse habits."

In addition to the smoothies, Robeks offers shakes, frozen yogurt, energy bowls with fresh acai, banana slices and granola, and power shots. Wraps and salads are priced around $6; power shots range from $1 to $3.50.

Hutchinson said the power shots, 1- or 2-ounce shots of green tea or organic wheatgrass, are a hit with his customers.

"The wheat grass is very popular," Hutchinson said. "One ounce gives the same nutrition as two and a half pounds of leafy green veggies."

While wheatgrass has received a bad reputation for its taste, Hutchinson said the majority of his customers change their mind once they try it.

"The most common response is, 'It's not as bad as I thought it would be,'" he said.

Robeks also has a well-balanced selection of food, including fresh wraps, salads, soups, gourmet pretzels, muffins and cookies.

"Our wraps and salads have been popular, specifically the pesto chicken and the turkey-cranberry," Hutchinson said. "We serve tofu wraps and sub out chicken, if needed, for dieters."

Sandy Hubbard is one of Robeks many diet-conscious customers. In fact, her doctor is one of the reasons she now frequents Robeks twice a day during the week.

"It's a healthy alternative for coffee drinkers," Hubbard said. "I used to be a really heavy coffee drinker, and the doc said I need to tone that down."

For people like Hubbard, healthy eating is their only diet, not an alternative. And, as a vegetarian, Hubbard visits Robeks before any fast-food restaurant or competing smoothie chain.

"I've been a vegetarian for 14 years now," Hubbard said. Places like Robeks are great because when you go to fast-food places the salad is never crisp or the fruit is never fresh. And their smoothies are so good. I've had Smoothie King, and I'm sorry but there's no comparison with this."

Robeks also differentiates itself from its competitors through customer service.

Similar to Cold Stone Creamery, all customers are given a warm welcome upon entering Robeks. Unlike most food chains or restaurants, Robeks employees deal with customers on a first-name basis.

Hutchinson strives to personally greet customers whenever he is on the premises.

"He knows at least 30 percent of our customers on a first-name basis," said Brent Miller, general manager for the Herndon store. "Anytime someone comes in or leaves, he greets them; he's very personable."

Hubbard said, "The customer service has been outstanding. "Dave's a real good guy. If I'm running late, I'll call and they'll have my order ready when I get there. There's a bunch of regulars that I see when I get there doing the same thing."

Herndon is the first Fairfax location for Robeks, but Hutchinson said the company is looking for space in Reston. For now, he is focused on maintaining quality food and service.

"It's been busy but great," Hutchinson said. "We've been open for five months, and we've been able to see a steady growth. I think it was a nice surprise in the community."

View all Robeks Fruit Smoothies & Healthy Eats Press Releases

This article has been read 285 times.

Printer Friendly