Tropical Smoothie Cafe to open in Delta Twp. in June; two more planned for Lansing area

DELTA TWP. - A Saginaw couple who opened their first Tropical Smoothie Cafe near Michigan State University's campus six years ago will open what they hope is the first of three new cafe locations in the Lansing area in June.

Ruth and Dave Buko said the new cafe will occupy 1,600 square feet of space in a new building being constructed in the 4400 block of West Saginaw Highway in Delta Township.

The site was previously home to Jackie's Diner, which closed in late 2016. That building was demolished late last year. 

The 40-to-45 seat cafe, with a drive-thru window, will offer made-to-order fruit and vegetable smoothies, wraps and flatbread sandwiches and salads, as well as a breakfast menu.

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The Bukos are planning to lease one half of the building from Harriet RH, LLC and Hurand – Rosenbaum Partnership, a Flint development company that owns the property.

The couple already owns three Tropical Smoothie Cafes, including two in East Lansing, along with one in their hometown of Saginaw. The new Delta Township location is the first of three they plan to open in the area over the next few years.

Ruth Buko, a MSU graduate, said they hope to open another later this year in South Lansing and a third in Okemos in 2019, although she said they're still securing space for both.

"The brand itself is growing," Dave Buko said. "The fast, casual section of the restaurant industry is really taking off, especially fresh and healthy options."

That's exactly what Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers, Ruth Buko said.

"We don't have fryers," she said. "Everything is made fresh. I think that's our added advantage."

Ruth Buko said the new Delta Township cafe will offer catering with free delivery, and the restaurant will be a welcoming spot for customers.

"We want people to come in and have a really good experience while they're here," she said. 

The Bukos have already begun interviewing applicants for manager positions at the Delta Township cafe. They'll likely hire three full-time and 30 part-time staff, Ruth Buko said. Interested individuals can apply online at www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com .

Jeff Hurand, vice president of Harriet RH, LLC and Hurand – Rosenbaum Partnership, said a second tenant is still being secured for the remaining 1,400 square feet of space.

A free-standing 2,200-square-foot Panda Express is slated to open nearby at 620 Harriet Ave. sometime this year.

Contact Reporter Rachel Greco at (517) 528-2075 or rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @GrecoatLSJ.