Robeks: "Smooth" Operator

These days, everyone is always trying to eat better and get healthier. But with today's modern, on-the-go lifestyles, how can someone get the proper nourishment they need when they can't sit still for a second?

Robeks, a California-based franchise that has recently entered into the Long Island market, may have the answer. The owner of the new Merrick Road location, Joe Lombardi, has been extolling the virtues of his tasty, waistline-friendly beverages ever since he opened his establishment’s doors this past July.

"All our ingredients are all-natural. There's no added sugar or added syrups," he said. "Our fruit is grown, picked, frozen and shipped to us. We use it with exotic, natural juices."

While many people have been jumping on the smoothie bandwagon lately in an effort to shed a few pounds, Lombardi points out that not all blended fruit drinks are all the same when it comes to cutting your calories.

"Our calorie counts are relatively low, which makes us a very popular, healthy choice compared to other smoothie places," he said. "A lot of people think, 'Oh, it's healthy,' but it's actually 800 calories. Our smoothies come in around 380 calories for a regular size."

While Lombardi's store currently concentrates on smoothies only, the Robeks chain also sells wraps and salads, a feature he plans on introducing to his customers in the near future.

"We will eventually be doing that and it will just add a lot to the products that we offer," he said.

Lombardi already has a great deal of franchise experience under his belt. His family owns several Lemon Tree haircutting franchises, while Lombardi himself has previously operated a potato chip supply route and currently runs a vending machine route on the side.

However, the idea of opening a Robeks came to Lombardi after he and a friend had tried out the chain's only other Long Island location, situated in Plainview. Impressed with the product's quality and realizing that he was onto something, Lombardi started scouting buildings to open his own Robeks, settling on his current Merrick Road location.

"We looked for a while for the perfect location and this store was available," he said. "It's Merrick Road, which is always busy, and we got a good corner store, so all the westbound traffic sees us first. Plus, there are a lot of health-conscious people who live around here."

But despite the national economic turmoil that seems to close more businesses than help them remain open, Lombardi feels that Robeks' business model is essentially recession-proof.

"At around four bucks, our product is affordable," he said. "It's not like when you go into a restaurant and order dinner, and you get the bill and it's $100. Plus, it's a healthy alternative to places like McDonalds or Burger King. It's a healthy meal in a cup!"