Fresh Blends Gives Fresh Fruit a Try
Update: Nashville's Fresh Blends Juice and Smoothie Bar is no longer in business.
A refreshing pick-me-up of fresh fruit and wheatgrass is just around the corner in the East Nashville and Belmont neighborhoods at Fresh Blends Juice and Smoothie Bar. Fresh Blends Juice and Smoothie Bar is a local gem for those looking to treat their bodies right with healthy smoothies chock full of vitamins or those solely interested in partaking in a cool treat. The smoothie bar also offers freshly squeezed juice from oranges, as well as carrots, spinach, beets and ginger.
The juice and smoothie bar is independent and locally owned by Tony Reall and David Edwards, both residents of East Nashville. The pair were looking to open a spot where people could enjoy a healthy smoothie, with ingredients such as strawberries, mangoes and pomegranates, at a reasonable price. The first location in East Nashville, located at 1888 Eastland Ave., opened in August 2008.
Fresh Blends proved to be just what the East Nashville neighborhood needed. Since its opening, the smoothie spot has been popular with an average of 50 to 100 customers stopping in for their favorite smoothie or juice daily.
The owners had their eyes on a possible location in the Belmont and finally opened a location recently at 1703 Portland Ave. The spot boasts the same varied menu that’s a great location for both university students and the community.
Both locations are about 800 square feet each with very little seating. Those wanting to sit and sip can take advantage of the bar top seating and benches located outside. Fresh Blends also offers free Wi-Fi internet access.
The drinks are made with fresh fruit, and the drink makers avoid adding sugar to the beverages. Instead, smoothies are sweetened with honey, a healthier option. Some popular choices are the Ode to the King smoothie — made with peanut butter, bananas, milk and honey — and the Go Man-go smoothie — made with mangoes, peaches, pineapples, bananas, apple juice and honey.
Fresh Blends gets the wheatgrass it used from a local, organic farm in Winchester, a point of pride for the owners.
Drinks range in price from $4 to $6.50. Those due to work during the early in the morning can stop by Fresh Blends on the way, as the store opens at 7 a.m. Monday-Friday.
Posted by Leah M. Caudle
