Restaurant Business magazine, the official magazine of the National Restaurant Association, published a series of polls in its January issue highlighting America’s Favorite Chain Restaurants. 

The report included top U.S. chains by sales, plus an additional 53 chains to round out categories and capture regional data. Consumers were polled on topics such as service, convenience, value, taste and ambiance. 

Tropical Smoothie Cafe (TSC), which has three area locations owned and operated by Brandon and Deena Korman, earned the No. 1 ranking in the Beverage and Snack category, topping two other eateries with a presence in the Port City: Cold Stone Creamery and Krispy Kreme. 

Among millennials, TSC tied for second place with Zoe’s Kitchen when members of this generation were asked for their top choice for a healthy meal or snack. 

Additionally, TSC ranked No. 2 behind Chick-fil-A for the Top Five Quick Service Restaurants and No. 8 in the Top Ten Overall listing of favorite brands. 

“We are so proud to be part of a brand that has helped us spread what I call 'Tropitude' throughout the Wilmington and Leland area,” said co-owner Brandon Korman. “That's when we mix amazingly tasteful food with unparalleled hospitality.”

Korman said that while nothing has yet been secured, he and Deena do plan to open additional locations in the area. 

Current seasonal smoothies include mango turmeric and strawberry granola, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe will soon reintroduce two fan favorites to the menu: the Hawaiian barbecue chicken flatbread and the watermelon mojito smoothie.

“It's so great that after five years we are starting to get credit for our awesome food,” Brandon Korman said. “This just proves that we are really becoming a destination for flavor.”

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is located at 2804 S. College Road, Unit 108, in Long Leaf Mall; 130 Hays Lane, Unit 130, in Bayshore Commons off Market Street in Porters Neck; and at 143 Poole Road in Leland. 

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