Jamba Juice
Jamba Juice is a chain of fresh juice and smoothie restaurants operating in 30 states in the United States. Begun in San Luis Obisbo, California, in 1990 by a small group of Northern Californians, Jamba Juice has grown to become one of the top purveyors of fresh juice beverages in the country. There are 10 Jamba Juice bars in the Greater Houston area, each using fresh fruit and processed juice from concentrate to create smoothies and blends of juice with coffee or tea. Smoothies with a lower sugar content are offered with Splenda as a sweetener instead of sugar, and the menu has expanded to include steel-cut oatmeal with fresh fruit toppings as a breakfast item. Healthy additives called "boosters" can be added to drinks, including extra vitamins, protein powders and anti-oxidant mixes.
Jamba Juice
2506 University Blvd.
Houston, TX 77005-3229
713-529-3225
jambajuice.com
Smoothie King
A national chain with more than 20 locations in the Houston area, Smoothie King first began as a vitamin shop in Louisiana in 1973. The company is still headquartered in The Pelican State and has more than 600 locations nationwide. Company founder Steve Kuhnau experimented with mixtures of fruit juices, vitamin supplements and protein mixes in a home blender in the late sixties, which the company claims were the first smoothies. Smoothie King offers numerous fruit and juice mixtures with names like Immune Builder, Mangosteen Madness and Orange Ka-BAM along with drink enhancers to boost nutrients and vitamins. Lower calorie treats are also available with less sugar and carbohydrates than the original formulas. Energy-boosting drinks are also available with coffee and black teas.
Smoothie King
1001 Fannin Street
Houston, TX 77002
713-651-0172
smoothieking.com
Surf City Squeeze
Surf City Squeeze is a chain of smoothie joints founded in 1981 in Arizona that has now spread to more than 200 locations across the United States, Canada and the Middle East. The theme of the shops is surfing and beach life, with surfboards and North Shore slang adorning menus and company artwork. Fresh fruits and juices are used to create a variety of ready-made beverages, and vitamin and mineral supplements can be added for extra nutritional value. The three main offerings are smoothies (fruit, juice and smoothie mix), chillers (slushies made with fruit, juice and ice), and lemonades with added flavorings (watermelon, strawberry and raspberry).
Surf City Squeeze
2500 Dunstan Road
Houston, TX 77005-2572
713-520-6255
surfcitysqueeze.com
Article Written By Eirik Ott
Eirik Ott is a professional performance poet, freelance writer, graphic designer, Apple Computer enthusiast and photographer. Since graduating from Chico State University with a degree in journalism in 2000, he has written for newspapers and magazines such as "The Reno Gazette-Journal," "The Austin American-Statesman," "Bust Magazine" and "Poets & Writers Magazine." He is based in Austin, Texas.
