Fitness Formula Clubs

Tell us a little bit about your company (where you are located, what you offer, etc). 

Established in 1984 by Founder and CEO Gale Landers, Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) owns and operates 11 upscale, premier fitness, health and wellness centers in the Chicago area. We provide services like corporate wellness programs, health insurance reimbursable nutrition therapy services, signature group fitness programs, spa treatment services, individual and group training, physical therapy and medically based rehabilitation programs. Almost all of our locations operate FFC-owned local'84 cafes and juices bars with the facility that make smoothies to order.

How do you utilize PFC for your smoothie/shake bar? 

We use Performance Food Centers for our smoothies, and they are fantastic. They have great products that fit our “Tasty. Healthy. Convenient” profile, and the service is even better. 

If there is one thing you could share with someone just starting their own smoothie/shake bar, what would it be? 

I’ll share 3 things: start with a simple menu (you can always add to it!), get to know what your customers like, and tightly manage costs. 

Do you have a favorite marketing tip that you feel helped your smoothie/shake bar to grow or connect with your customers? 

Absolutely! Offering complimentary smoothie samples is the simplest and easiest way to market your smoothies. Not only is it great marketing, but it is the simplest and easiest way to connect and talk to the customer about the ingredients used in the smoothie. 

What is a customer favorite smoothie? 

I would say a customer favorite is the Nutty Banana Blast. It’s a classic smoothie that has peanut butter, banana, milk, and swiig whey protein. 

I’ll give you an employee favorite too - it is the Fruit Veggie smoothie. This one is packed with vegetables, including butternut squash puree, kale, spinach, banana, and swiig whey protein.