Does Tropical Smoothie give a birthday gift?

Quick Answer

Tropical Smoothie Cafe does offer a free 24 oz smoothie reward for your birthday when you are a Tropical Smoothie Cafe Rewards member. To get this birthday reward, you need to enroll in the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Rewards program at least 7 days prior to your birthday. On your birthday, you can redeem the reward for a free 24 oz smoothie by scanning the Tropical Smoothie Cafe app when making a purchase or by giving your phone number at checkout. Some restrictions apply, such as the birthday reward expiring 30 days after your birthday.

Birthday Reward Details

Here are some key details about Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s birthday reward program:

  • You must be enrolled in the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Rewards program to be eligible for the free birthday smoothie. Signing up is free.
  • You need to enroll at least 7 days before your birthday to receive the reward.
  • On your birthday, you will receive a reward for a free 24 oz smoothie added to your Rewards account.
  • The birthday reward must be redeemed (used to get a free smoothie) within 30 days of your birthday or it will expire.
  • To redeem the reward in-store, scan the Tropical Smoothie Cafe app or give your phone number at checkout on the day you want to redeem it.
  • The 24 oz free smoothie can be any smoothie flavor on the Tropical Smoothie Cafe menu.
  • Premium smoothies and supplements cost extra beyond the free 24 oz smoothie reward.
  • The birthday reward cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts.
  • Smoothie rewards are non-transferrable and cannot be redeemed for cash.

So in summary, yes Tropical Smoothie Cafe provides a free 24 oz smoothie reward to Rewards members on their birthday as long as you enroll in the program at least 7 days prior. You have 30 days to redeem the reward after your birthday.

How to Sign Up for the Rewards Program

Signing up for the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Rewards program to receive the free birthday smoothie is easy and only takes a few minutes. Here is how to enroll:

  1. Download the Tropical Smoothie Cafe app on your smartphone (available for both iPhone and Android).
  2. Open the app and tap “Join Now”.
  3. Enter your email address and create a password.
  4. Specify your birthday so they know when to provide your annual free smoothie reward.
  5. That’s it! You will now earn 10 points for every $1 spent and get exclusive rewards.

Once enrolled, you will start accumlating points with purchases that can be redeemed for rewards. As long as you sign up at least 7 days before your birthday, the free 24 oz smoothie birthday reward will automatically be added to your account on your birthday.

The app also makes it easy to redeem rewards. When paying in-store, just scan the app or give your phone number and the birthday smoothie will be free.

Other Ways to Join

If you don’t have a smartphone, there are other ways to join the Tropical Smoothie Rewards program:

  • Sign up on the Tropical Smoothie website by providing your email and birthday.
  • Download the reward card from the website and fill it out with your information.
  • Ask the cashier to help you enroll in person at any Tropical Smoothie Cafe location.

As long as you provide your birthday when joining, you will be on track to get your annual free birthday smoothie reward.

Earning Rewards on Your Birthday

In addition to the free smoothie you get on your birthday, Tropical Smoothie Cafe also offers double points all day on your birthday.

When you make purchases on your birthday and scan the app or provide your rewards phone number, you will earn 20 points for every $1 spent rather than the usual 10 points per dollar.

This makes your birthday the best day to earn points to redeem for additional rewards besides your free smoothie. Be sure to take advantage of this special offer by visiting Tropical Smoothie Cafe on your special day.

More Birthday Freebies

Tropical Smoothie Cafe isn’t the only restaurant that offers free birthday treats. Here are some other places where you can score free food and drinks on your birthday:

  • Starbucks – Free drink or treat
  • Sephora – Free birthday gift
  • Dunkin Donuts – Free donut
  • Dairy Queen – Free Blizzard
  • Jersey Mike’s – Free sub and drink

Be sure to enroll in rewards programs at your favorite restaurants ahead of your birthday to take advantage of these special offers. Just don’t forget to eat some vegetables and offset all the free birthday sugar!

History of the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Brand

Tropical Smoothie Cafe was founded in 1997 in Destin, Florida by Michael Kamm and Eric Brain. The founders’ goal was to offer flavorful and nutritious smoothies made with quality ingredients.

The first Tropical Smoothie Cafe opened in a mall food court. Despite minimal advertising beyond word-of-mouth, the restaurant saw steady growth driven by the delicious smoothies.

National Expansion

In 1999, Tropical Smoothie Cafe began franchising and expanding nationally. The company quickly hit major growth milestones:

  • 100th location opened in 2003
  • 300th location opened in 2008
  • 500th location opened in 2013
  • 900th location opened in 2019

Today, Tropical Smoothie Cafe has over 1,000 locations across the United States. It continues to grow by more than 100 new cafes each year through franchising.

The brand is now among the top smoothie chains in the country, competing with Jamba Juice, Smoothie King, and Planet Smoothie. However, Tropical Smoothie has differentiated itself by also serving sandwiches, wraps, bowls, and flatbreads alongside its smoothies.

Menu Expansion

While smoothies remain the star of the menu, Tropical Smoothie Cafe has expanded its food offerings over the years:

  • Sandwiches and wraps were added in 2003.
  • Flatbreads were added to the menu in 2009.
  • Salads and bowls were introduced in 2012 to offer more fresh and healthy choices.
  • Breakfast and coffee drinks were launched in 2014 to compete in the mornings.

These moves have allowed Tropical Smoothie Cafe to drive growth by appealing to more dayparts than just lunch and afternoon snacks. The brand also launched an updated restaurant design in 2014 featuring brighter colors and a more relaxed tropical theme.

Nutritional Information

Tropical Smoothie Cafe smoothies and food items emphasize nutrition as well as flavor. Here is some background on the nutritional values and diet-friendly options on the menu:

Smoothies

Tropical Smoothie Cafe smoothies are made with real fruit purees and juices, resulting in 2 full servings of fruit in a 24 oz smoothie. They use no high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors.

Smoothies range from 100 to 300 calories for a 24 oz cup, depending on ingredients. Low calorie options are available with less juice or by making them “Lite” versions made with nonfat yogurt and no added sweeteners.

Food

The sandwiches, flatbreads, bowls, and other food items contain grilled chicken breast, wild-caught salmon, or plant-based proteins. These provide a healthier alternative to traditional fast food burgers.

Low-carb bowls and wraps are available by choosing greens or lettuce instead of bread or rice. Salads with grilled chicken offer lighter options under 400 calories.

Nutritional Information

Full nutrition facts for all menu items are provided on the Tropical Smoothie Cafe website so guests can find options that fit their diet. Smoothies range from 100-480 calories.

Food items range from 300-700+ calories depending on protein and toppings. Low-calorie dressings and options allow customization of nutrition values.

So in summary, Tropical Smoothie Cafe provides healthier and more nutritious smoothies and food than traditional fast food chains. Their emphasis on quality ingredients provides good options for most dietary needs.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe Lawsuit Over Rewards Program

In 2016, a class action lawsuit was filed against Tropical Smoothie Cafe over allegations that the company was not allowing expired reward points to rollover as advertised in their rewards program terms.

The plaintiffs argued that reward points expired after just one year, preventing customers from accumulating and redeeming points over longer periods. They alleged this was a breach of contract of the rewards terms.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe maintained that allowing points to accumulate perpetually would make the program unmanageable and costly. However, the company agreed to settle the lawsuit in 2018 for $750,000.

As part of the settlement, Tropical Smoothie agreed to extend the expiration period to 18 months and allow inactive customers to keep points for 6 months. Additionally, they clarified the expiration language in the program terms.

While the lawsuit was inconvenient, it helped refine Tropical Smoothie’s rewards program terms and improve the customer experience. The birthday rewards have always been separate from regular points and were not impacted by the lawsuit.

Tropical Smoothie vs. Smoothie King

Smoothie King and Tropical Smoothie Cafe are two of the largest smoothie chains. Here is how they compare:

Number of Locations

  • Smoothie King has over 1,300 locations
  • Tropical Smoothie Cafe has over 1,000 locations

Smoothie King has more total locations, though Tropical Smoothie is growing at a faster rate.

Menu Options

  • Smoothie King focuses on smoothies and supplements
  • Tropical Smoothie also serves sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads, and bowls

Tropical Smoothie has a more extensive food menu beyond smoothies.

Specialization

  • Smoothie King emphasizes fitness-oriented options with add-ins like protein
  • Tropical Smoothie has a larger variety of everyday smoothie flavors

Smoothie King tailors more to fitness and athletic guests while Tropical Smoothie appeals to the general public.

Birthday Rewards

  • Smoothie King offers a free 20 oz smoothie
  • Tropical Smoothie offers a free 24 oz smoothie

Both chains provide free smoothies on your birthday with enrollment in their rewards programs. Tropical Smoothie’s is slightly larger at 24 oz.

Overall, Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers a more extensive food menu while Smoothie King focuses on customizing smoothies for fitness. Both provide birthday freebies making them popular options!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s birthday rewards program:

What do I have to buy to redeem my free birthday smoothie?

You do not have to buy anything to redeem your free birthday smoothie reward from Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Just scan the app or give your phone number at checkout and the 24 oz smoothie is free. However, any add-ons or supplements added to your smoothie would cost extra.

When does the free birthday smoothie reward expire?

The free smoothie reward expires 30 days after your birthday. Make sure to redeem it within 30 days or you will miss out.

Can I use my free birthday smoothie multiple times on my birthday?

No, the birthday reward is valid for one free 24 oz smoothie. You cannot get multiple free smoothies.

Do I earn reward points on my free birthday smoothie?

Unfortunately, you do not earn any reward points when you redeem your free birthday smoothie since no purchase is required. Points are only earned on items you pay for.

What if my birthday falls on a leap year?

If your birthday is February 29th on a leap year, Tropical Smoothie will honor your birthday reward on February 28th in non-leap years. Make sure to use it on 2/28 during non-leap years.

Can I transfer my birthday reward to someone else?

No, rewards are non-transferrable. Only the person whose name is on the account can redeem the birthday free smoothie offer.

Ways to Customize Your Birthday Smoothie

When redeeming your free 24 oz Tropical Smoothie Cafe birthday smoothie, feel free to customize it to your liking. Here are some ideas for making your birthday smoothie extra special:

  • Make it a Blast – Add a boost like vitamins, caffeine, or protein
  • Premium Upgrades – Choose premium ingredients for an extra charge like organic kale
  • Extra Supplements – Get an immunity boost with shots of ginseng, echinacea, or wheatgrass
  • Toppings – Sprinkle in coconuts, chia seeds, granola, or chocolate chips
  • Swirl – Blend in peanut butter or other spreads for thickness
  • Cater to Diet – Opt for low-calorie, low-sugar, or vegan ingredients
  • New Flavors – Try adventurous combinations you wouldn’t normally order

The free smoothie is the 24 oz size so feel free to pack in the flavors and customizations to treat yourself for your birthday!

Hacks to Maximize Your Birthday Rewards

Here are some clever ideas Tropical Smoothie Cafe rewards members use to maximize the value of their birthday freebie:

  • Split it into two 12 oz smoothies to get two drinks.
  • Bring a friend and share the large smoothie.
  • Add every supplement you want to get the most for free.
  • Pair it with a sandwich or flatbread you get 50% off with a reward.
  • Use it to try the most expensive smoothie flavor you can customize.
  • Enjoy half on your birthday, and save half in the fridge for the next day.
  • Use it as an opportunity to try a new Tropical Smoothie location.
  • Order online for pickup so it’s ready when you arrive.

The key is remembering to sign up at least 7 days before your birthday. Then take advantage of the free 24 oz smoothie reward however you can get the most joy out of it.

Conclusion

Tropical Smoothie Cafe provides an excellent perk with a free 24 oz smoothie reward on your birthday. As long as you are enrolled in their rewards program at least 7 days prior to your special day, you can redeem this tasty gift during the 30 days after your birthday.

Be sure to take advantage of double points all day on your birthday as well for earning rewards points on purchases. And customize your free smoothie with supplements and flavors to create the perfect birthday treat.

Stopping by Tropical Smoothie Cafe on your birthday is a delicious tradition. Just don’t forget to eat some real food too besides all the free sweet smoothie action!

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