Hip Hop smoothie shop sorta opened in March. COVID got in the way — but not for long.
What do “Gangsta’s Paradise,” “Gin and Juice” and “I Got 5 On It,” all have in common? If you guessed titles to popular hip-hop songs you’re right, but they’re also the names of a few smoothies you will find on the menu at Hip Hop Smoothies.
Husband and wife duo Roberto and Shamika Brooks were set to open their first storefront — named as an ode to their favorite music — on March 28, shortly after North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper ordered dining rooms closed to help fight the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Hip Hop Smoothies was open for a few days with carryout only, then closed back up again. But in April, the Brookses opened permanently at 249 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Suite 210.
“My husband has always lived a healthy lifestyle and been into fitness,” Shamika Brooks told CharlotteFive. “We began making our own smoothies at home and found that they tasted much better than the ones we would go out and buy.”
After getting the recipes just right, the Brookses launched their business in August 2018. Over the last year, the couple have been seen setting up their fresh fruit smoothie concession trailer at various businesses, gyms and events all over the Charlotte area. Now that they’ve succeeded in growing their clientele and demand for the smoothies has increased, the couple is ready to take things to the next level.
“The goal was always to have a storefront, but we wanted to test out the market before we jumped into doing so.”
Brooks describes the space as “upbeat and exciting.” When customers can enter dining rooms again, they will be welcomed to a fun vibe with hip hop music playing over the speakers. Local artist Tanzania Stewart designed custom hip hop-themed artwork for the store’s walls, as well a 16-foot hand-painted countertop that customers will order from.
For now, hours will be 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Takeout orders can be placed via the Cloosiv app or by calling 980-938-6702. Protective glass has been installed at the register, and surfaces will be regularly cleaned between customers.
The menu
Since its launch, Hip Hop Smoothies has prided itself on serving all-natural smoothies sweetened only with honey. All bases are created with almond milk, coconut milk, energy drinks or fresh fruit juice.
The smoothies come in a 20-ounce serving, and there’s a 10 ounce option for kids. Prices can vary.
Top sellers include the Gangsta’s Paradise (almond milk, strawberries, banana, vanilla yogurt, honey), Nuttin But Love (almond milk, banana, cacao powder, peanut butter, sea salt, honey), I Got 5 On It (almond milk, peanut butter, banana, strawberry, honey) and Get Low (strawberries, banana, mango, Tropical Red Bull).
In addition to the smoothies, the store will also have a coffee bar featuring Mooresville’s Black Powder Coffee, and ice cream scoops and sundaes.
Hip Hop Smoothies
249 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Suite 210
Instagram: @hiphopsmoothies
This story was originally published April 17, 2020 at 5:45 AM.
