Local Family Launches Smoothie King

Smoothie King, with more than 600 locations across the world, will open its newest one in Cinnaminson today.

And an area family, the Gilanellis of Moorestown, are the ones behind the franchise.

Frank Gilanelli’s son and daughter are 27 and 24, respectively.

“The job market is just terrible,” Frank said. “It was very hard for them to get a job.”

So, last year, Frank, who is the president of a Philadelphia public relations/advertising firm, sat down with Nicholas and Kara, and the three of them looked into buying a Smoothie King franchise.

Nicholas is now the general manager and Kara is the assistant general manager. Frank is “the guy that sits behind the curtain” as he puts it.

“We’re all just working together,” Frank said.

Smoothie King specializes in fruit smoothies with several choices of enhancers and supplements, like energy boosters and vitamins.

Yogurt bowls, as well as snacks like high-protein cookies and soy chips, are also available.

“It’s very, very good for you,” Frank said. “That’s what separates us. This is entirely different. Everything is focused on health.”

Steve Kuhnau, who experimented with fruit juices since due to his severe allergies, started Smoothie King in the early 1970s.

Frank said he understands the need for products like this and calls it all “exciting.”

Ten thousand people a day turn 65 years old, Frank said, and that will continue over the next 19 years.

“The thing is to be more active, live longer and be healthy,” he said.

The most popular smoothie is “Angel Food,” and it has strawberries, bananas, soy protein, non-fat milk, vanilla, turbinado, and honey.

The Moorestown family didn’t travel far when looking for a location for Smoothie King. Frank said he hopped in the car with Nicholas and Kara and checked out open retail business buildings and area malls.

They came upon The Shoppes at Cinnaminson.

“It’s pretty new, it looks great, there are a lot of stores,” Frank said.

Coupled with the fact that nearly 60,000 cars pass through Route 130 every day, the Gilanellis chose that location.

They recently employed 16 area high school and college students and are set to officially open at 7 a.m. today.

The store also boasts a drive-through. They are open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It's located a few stories down from Five Guys at the Shoppes on Route 130 South and Cinnaminson Avenue. 

“We’re so excited and can’t wait to serve the people,” Frank said.