Chris Nguyen and Tom Tran are only in their late 20s and already own their a business. Tropical Café opened last Monday at 103 Nicholson Drive near the corner of East Boyd Drive to a warm reception, they said.
“It was really busy [opening day],” Tran said. “I was so worn out.”
The café specializes in more than 15 smoothies, including coconut, papaya, banana and coffee.
The favorite is mango, Nguyen said.
The smoothies’ quality is the top priority to the owners, who make the drinks themselves.
“I am very concerned about how my smoothie tastes, and I want people to be honest when they try it,” Tran said. “I make my smoothies my own way; it’s different from Smoothie King and all the others.”
The drinks come with the choice of tapioca pearls that sit at the bottom of the smoothie. The dime-sized gummy balls add texture to the well-blended concoctions.
Once drinks are made the cup is sealed mechanically with a plastic cover featuring a variety of Japanese cartoons and characters.
“You can’t spill it,” Nguyen said. “It is sealed until you break the top with a straw.”
Even the straw is stylish — unusually large and brightly colored.
Part of Tropical Café’s appeal comes from the laid-back atmosphere created by the décor, said Tran.
Vivid primary colors and sleek furniture relax customers and encourage patrons to stay.
“I want my place to be comfortable. A place that makes the customer smile,” Tran said.
From the light fixtures to the coffee tables, the design is plush, modern and inviting. The café has two couches, chairs and tall intimate tables. They also provide four computer consoles which will be Internet-ready within the month.
Tropical Café has locations in Houston and New Orleans. Tran, who is from New Orleans, was inspired by the city’s shop and wanted to open his own about four years ago.
“I just needed the money and location,” said Tran.
Nguyen and Tran met in Baton Rouge through their girlfriends, who are sisters. They decided to set up shop here to be close to their girlfriends, said Tran.
“I want students to be able to stay here and study, for friends to come and talk,” he said.
Tropical Café’s current hours are Sunday through Tuesday 10 a.m. to midnight and Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. They said they wish to stay open later, but they will see how business goes.
Next door, Kobe Liquor will open in April and Pluck It chicken will join the new shopping center in May.
Tropical Café is a hip addition to the aged commercial area on Nicholson. For those who want a relaxing night away from neighboring Tigerland, at $3.70 a drink Tropical Café is a cheap trip to the mod and soothing Pacific islands.