Marcus Brooks, 40, a new entrepreneur in Reno has his hands on the blender, looking over the exact instructions for one of his own favorite smoothies, the Dragon Fruit Lemon Splash.
He’s just returned from picking up change for the register at a nearby bank, while customers come in to pick up their online orders.
It’s a focused blur for Brooks who takes care of eight kids with his wife Neva, while the couple runs the new downtown Planet Smoothie which opened last fall. They’re both “brand new business owners,” Brooks, who previously worked as a forklift driver and in retail, explains.
Their airy brightly colored narrow smoothie spot is conveniently located within walking distance of the UNR campus, with available parking, in a spot it shares with a Jimmy John’s and a Teriyaki Madness on Virginia and 7th street.
“We just wanted to bring that fresh fruit smoothie to Reno,” Brooks said of the Atlanta founded Planet Smoothie chain, the third largest in the country, known for its real fruit and nutritious ingredients.
“We don't have, like, the purees and the syrups. All our fruit is fresh,” he guarantees. Pointing to the menu, he also recommends meal replacement and energy smoothies.
There’s a loyalty program with $5 offered after every $50 spent, plus a free smoothie if it’s your birthday.
Brooks says he’s hired “the best staff in Reno,” which helps make operations go smoothly.
Family wise, he says he wants something to leave to his kids, as well as help them “develop some kind of business savvy.” Brooks hopes with more foot traffic during warmer months, and a regenerating downtown, the business will be buzzing even more in the months ahead.
“We brought it here for you guys. So whenever you get a chance and you're craving a smoothie, come on down to Planet Smoothie,” he concluded.