(From left) Shauntel Carter, Larry Calma, owner Trung Tang, Lauren Beck and Abel Ruiz run the recently opened Tropical Fruit Smoothie Café in Dunn Loring. Photo by Tim Peterson.
McLean resident Trung Tang has worked in food service since starting as a busboy for East Wind in Alexandria at age 14. The 1996 Mount Vernon High School graduate made a career out of serving in and managing restaurants.
After leaving the Pinkberry frozen dessert franchise, Tang decided to have a go at the business himself and took on a Tropical Fruit Smoothie Café franchise.
Tang opened his cafe on Avenir Place in Dunn Loring in mid-March, bringing with him an established management structure that includes a kitchen manager he’s worked with for 13 years. The location joins other area franchises of the same chain operating in Oakton and Seven Corners.
Situated alongside the Orange Theory Fitness studio (Tropical Fruit Smoothie Café opens at 6 a.m. right as class lets out), Tang’s concept is following the trends of “fast casual” dining that’s intended to be healthy, inexpensive and rapid.
“Customer interaction is what’s key,” Tang said, “it’s counter service but full-service feel.”
Smoothie options include 25 predetermined recipes such as the popular Island Green and Chia Banana Boost, though Tang said all are customizable and can be boosted with vitamins, caffeine or protein. In addition to smoothies, the made-to-order food menu includes toasted sandwiches, wraps and salads.
Tropical Fruit Smoothie Café in Dunn Loring is located at 2672 Avenir Place, Vienna.