Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a leading national fast-casual concept known for its better-for-you smoothies and food with a tropical twist, announced its goal to donate 100,000 smoothies nationwide to local healthcare workers and first responders as part of its #InItTogether campaign to help support those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"In cafes across the country, the Tropical Smoothie Cafe family is working tirelessly to support our local communities, which are currently facing unprecedented hardship," said Charles Watson, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC. "Our safety is dependent upon the selfless, hard work of our local healthcare workers and first responders and we want to help them in any way we can. The 100K smoothie giveaway is a simple, but impactful example of one way we can show our gratitude and bring a smile to their face – one sip at a time."

To reach the goal of 100,000 smoothies, Watson added, each cafe has been challenged to donate at least 100 smoothies. In the first days of the campaign, several franchisees jumped on board to donate more than 600 smoothies each. As of March 27, Tropical Smoothie Cafe has delivered approximately 20,000 smoothies across over 20 states and over 30 markets. The brand's focus has been on supporting all local communities, the same communities where our franchise owners and the cafe employees live and work.

"As a small business owner, I was grateful for the opportunity to show our local first responders and healthcare workers who go above and beyond for us every day," said Nick Crouch, a multi-unit franchisee with Tropical Smoothie Cafe and the CEO of DYNE Hospitality Group. "Even if it is just in a small way, we want them to know we appreciate their hard work that we're all in this together!"