Smoothie King expands in Fort Myers

COURTESY PHOTO Some Fort Myers South Rotarians stopped in at the Grand Opening of Smoothie King on College Parkway to cool off after trash clean-up on College Parkway. Smoothie King, the originator of the nutritional fruit-based smoothie, opened the doors to Fort Myers' second lifestyle center at 8595 College Parkway, in the College Park Plaza.

"We are excited to bring another Smoothie King to the Fort Myers community," said Cory Dickson, franchisee of the new Smoothie King, along with business partner Ben Starr. "We are both passionate about personal health and fitness, and we look forward to educating our guests on how easy it can be to incorporate nutritious meals and snacks into their diets."

The new store hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Smoothie King's founder and CEO, Steve Kuhnau, began making smoothies in response to his own health issues and food allergies. After more than 30 years and 480 Smoothie King stores in 32 states later, Kuhnau and his wife Cindy, Smoothie King's cofounder, accomplished their desire to bring healthful products to mainstream America.

"Our mission is to relentlessly influence more and more people to achieve a healthier lifestyle," said Kuhnau. "We are thrilled to continue to spread that mission in the Fort Myers area by offering healthy, greattasting options for people on the go."

Smoothie King offers more than 40 smoothies made to order with real fruit, allnatural juices, and a functional mix of vitamins and nutrients to fit every need or lifestyle.

The new Smoothie King, at 870 square feet, will also offer an array of healthy living products, including energy bars, snacks and vitamin supplements. Fort Myers' first location at 4464 Fowler Street opened earlier this year.