Tucked behind Champy’s in the Publix shopping center on Madison Boulevard sits a business where the blenders are constantly swirling and the drive-thru is always hopping. This Smoothie King location – the only one in Madison – has been meeting mealtime and snacktime cravings for five years and counting, and franchise owners Craig and Betsy Fiddler are just getting started.
Smoothie King in Madison, Alabama
Smoothie King first arrived in Madison in January of 2017 and has borne witness to the explosive growth that the south side of Madison along I-565 has experienced. They’re excited about all that is to come on this side of town and can’t wait to serve new customers who may not have known that Smoothie King had a home on this side of town.
What is Smoothie King?
Smoothie King offers customers a countless list of smoothie flavors that are available in 20 oz., 32 oz., or 40 oz. servings. From low-calorie favorites like the Slim & Trim or the Activator to higher-calorie, protein-packed shakes such as the Gladiator or The Hulk, Smoothie King prides itself in having something that will appeal to all ages, palettes, and nutritional goals.
“We hide the vegetables,” jokes franchise co-owner Betsy Fiddler, who continued to share that all of the fruits and vegetables used in the smoothies at Smoothie King are organic. She says that “no sugar is added ever” and that all produce items are “frozen but always fresh”.
“We don’t use any preservatives and are very strict about our inventory,” says franchise owner Craig Fiddler. “You won’t find any artificial coloring or sweetening, and everything you get here is 100% gluten-free.”
A glance at the Smoothie King menu lists smoothie flavors in several categories, including “Stay Slim” (under 350 calories per 20 oz. drink), “Get Fit” (protein-packed), “Be Well” (many vegan options), “Take a Break” (some really tasty treats!), and some options for kids.
Fiddler emphasizes though that all smoothies are highly customizable and are made to order to your exact liking.
After selecting one’s smoothies, he or she will have the option to take the smoothie to the next level by adding a variety of enhancers. These enhancers (which are all tasteless!) are designed to help create a smoothie that helps one achieve all of his or her individual nutrition goals and include a fiber blend, joint health with collagen, a probiotic, muscle builder, and much more.
When asked what time of day Smoothie King is generally the busiest, both Craig and Betsy quickly respond that morning-time hours bring the biggest crowds. They shared that many customers make Smoothie King part of their morning commute to work and are always excited to “come in and grab their healthy and nutritious smoothie that they’ll take into the day with them.”
Craig shared that Smoothie King offers a wide variety of morning smoothies that are highly customizable, including an assortment of coffee smoothie options as well as a caffeinated “Pure Recharger” option (equivalent to 1.5 cups of coffee!) Guests are encouraged to share with a Smoothie King employee what they’re looking for, and the employee will then make a smoothie + enhancer recommendation that fits the bill.
Smoothie King App
Regardless of what time of day of it, the Fiddlers shared that their store strives to serve customers in three and half minutes and that one new tool that’s aiding this process is the new Smoothie King app.
“There are so many benefits to downloading the app,” explains Craig, who says that users automatically receive a $2 coupon to use when purchasing their next smoothie just for downloading the app.
Other benefits to downloading the app include being able to easily customize smoothie ingredients as well as easily pay right within the app. Using the app then allows users to swing through the drive-thru or run into the store quickly, grab their drinks, and head on their way.
Click here to download the app via Google Play or the App Store.
Online ordering is also an easy option for customizing a drink, paying online, and then swinging into the store to grab and go!
Meeting Nutritional Needs of All Kinds
Betsy and Craig shared that Smoothie King is often a wonderful solution for all kinds of customers and that serving them in a personalized way is something they truly enjoy.
“We sometimes have guests who are battling cancer who want a smoothie after chemo because it feels good on their throat. They say that our smoothies are a comfort to them after chemo because everything hurts.”
Betsy added that Smoothie King products are also sought out by those with all kinds of illnesses who feel weak but need the added protein to maintain some strength.
They shared that guests who have recently had a gastric bypass or lap-band surgery also find much relief in Smoothie King products as meal replacement options.
“Their stomachs are so small, but they still need the protein and energy so our smoothies come in handy.”
Children often go crazy for smoothies from Smoothie King, and Betsy says that it’s a wonderful afternoon treat or substitution for a fast-food dinner. She suggests the Lil Angel (strawberries + bananas + multivitamin enhancer) or Caribbean Way smoothie for children, which are served in a 12 oz. cup.
When asked what Craig and Betsy love the most about operating their Smoothie King locations (they own the location in Huntsville across from Target on HWY 72 as well!), they shared that it’s easily the guests.
“Every person that comes into Smoothie King has a reason for being there, and everybody is always so nice,” says Betsy. “We really like being with the people.”
Smoothie King in Madison, Alabama
8000 Madison Blvd, Madison, AL 35758
(256) 325-3422
Sunday: 10AM – 8PM
Monday – Friday: 7AM – 9PM
Saturday: 8AM-9PM
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