It’s a long way from the beach, but Springfield now has a Tropical Smoothie Café. The capital city location opened Dec. 27 at 2937 W. Iles Ave., backfilling the former Luca Pizza space in White Oaks Plaza.
Luca Pizza was open sporadically during the first half of January 2025 before closing permanently later that month. Owner Lee Rupnik’s other business, D&J Café, closed in May.
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Tropical Smoothie Café began in 1993 as a smoothie shop along the Florida panhandle. The company began to offer franchises in 1998 and initially expanded in Florida. Tropical Smoothie Café now has more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with décor that reflects a beach theme and vibrant colors. There are more than 50 locations in Illinois, including one in East Peoria and two in Normal.
Blackstone, one of the world’s largest private equity firms, bought the brand from Levine Leichtman Capital Partners in May, according to Franchise Times. The reported $2 billion purchase price made it one of the biggest franchise deals of the year.
While the namesake smoothies account for 60% of Tropical Smoothie Café sales, the other 40% is food sales, according to franchising information on the company’s website. Menus include smoothies in categories such as super veggies, fruit blends, balanced fusions and tropic treats but the cafes also offer sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads and salads.
The Springfield location is open from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.