Fairhaven Tropical Smoothie Cafe Sets Target for Re-Opening

Many who live and work in Fairhaven are, no doubt, jonesing for their favorite wraps, drinks, salads and more from Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

Some Smoothie fans were unaware that the location at 29 Alden Road was closing – until it did, on August 24 – and are still in shock.

Earlier in August, franchise owner Karyn Ferreira learned she had only weeks to close shop and move out. The building's owner, Mike Panagakos, negotiated a new deal for the property, and it didn't include Ferreira or her Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

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With Ferreira's 10-year lease with Panagakos expired, she had no choice but to find a new location or to get out of Fairhaven altogether, which was not an option as far as she was concerned.

"We are a part of this community and miss our Fairhaven family," Ferreira said. The new Tropical Smoothie will open at the former C&G Tile and More store in the CVS Plaza at 15 Sarah's Way off U.S. Route 6.

Ferreira, who owns another Tropical Smoothie franchise on Kings Highway in New Bedford, hopes to open the new Fairhaven location in November or December 2023.

Ferreira said she is "hoping to get a construction crew to remodel in October."

"New heating, air conditioning, and plumbing are being worked on now," she said.

The new Tropical Smoothie may open without a drive-thru window at first, as permits have yet to be approved by the town.

"We definitely miss our customers, and we are grateful that many have come to our New Bedford location to support us," Ferreira said.

She said she will be "hiring new staff that will train at the New Bedford location, as well as the Fairhaven location."

"We are thrilled to be able to re-open in Fairhaven," Ferreira said. "We appreciate all the (customer) support through this transition and wanting us to stay in this wonderful town."

Panagakos will level the former Tropical Smoothie Cafe on Alden Road and the Dunkin' next door that has been empty for years. Starbucks plans to open a Fairhaven store at that location in the fall of 2024.