So Smooth

Bart Shumaker of Wakefield's Smoothy Booty on healthy sipping

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What inspired you to open Smoothy Booty Café?
I own the restaurant with my wife Ruth and our close friend Charlie. We spent a lot of time on the West Coast, in New York City and in New Orleans, where smoothies are extremely popular. In these locations, smoothies are not just a beverage but a lifestyle. Ruth was a long distance runner and triathlete, and all three of us are cyclists. We often ride our bikes to and from Smoothy Booty via the South County Bike Path.

What makes your smoothies unique?
Many businesses offer smoothies. However, for the most part, our competitors’ smoothies are derived from from frozen mixes or powdered blends that are not natural or healthy. All of our smoothies are made fresh to order, from unsweetened fruit and fruit juices. We also feature green, coffee, green tea, chai and dessert smoothies.

What is your favorite smoothie?

My wife’s is the Calico Jack (peach-mango) and mine is the Poop Deck (chocolate-peanut butter-banana). Calico Jack is an indescribably delicious smoothie that inspires Maui fantasies. Poop Deck is satisfying and filling, and leaves me energized without eating a meal.

Is it true that smoothies can make you gain weight?
There are so many smoothie possibilities. There are some that can help you bulk up and gain muscle (such as those including protein in the form of peanut butter, soy or whey) and others that are low in calories (such as our regular fruit and coffee-based smoothies). We also offer a new Trim and Fit Smoothie Boost that contains ingredients that reduce food cravings and suppress the appetite.

We hear you’re opening a new location.
We’re excited to reopen in our new location, in the heart of Wakefield, which is much more visible and closer to Main Street. In addition to our usual smoothies, coffees, cookies and muffins, we’re expanding the menu to include sandwiches, salads and vegetarian offerings. We’re opening on April 1.

Will you continue to feature live music in your new location?
We hope to. We’ve loved welcoming bands such as Occidental Gypsy and Saddle Up the Chicken! It’s a family oriented venue where anyone can come in and enjoy a smoothie and some great music. However, when we offer music, it is also perfectly acceptable to bring your own alcoholic beverage.

There’s a Hangover Blend on the menu. What’s that?
Our Hangover Blend smoothie enhancer is a new offering, featuring Ginger Root, Taurine, Ginkgo Biloba, Chamomile and Peppermint. These ingredients, along with the liquids, support rehydration and restoration of the body’s electrolyte balance.

Bart Shumaker and his wife Ruth Anderson own Smoothy Booty, along with Charlie Kelley. Smoothy Booty, sister restaurant to the popular Bluebird Café, is now located at 254 Robinson Street in Wakefield. 783-4018.

Smoothy Booty, Restaurant, Smoothies, Tastemaker, SO Rhode Island

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