If you don't have the proper serving supplies, your customers are going home thirsty. With issues such as food safety, operating permits and employee training, he added, the last thing an operator should need to worry about is whether to carry 12-oz. Because smoothies are cold and often brightly colored, most operators opt for polystyrene or plastic. Polystyrene provides insulation to keep smoothies from melting, and the material minimizes sweating. They keep drinks colder longer.
Plastic cups have several benefits as well, including the visual factor.
Solo Cup is one manufacturer of plastic cups that Robinson said he recommends to store owners. Solo offers clear plastic cups in a range of sizes to fit any smoothie bar operation. Store operators can also turn their cup program into a branding opportunity by offering reusable plastic cups. Branded cups can reduce costs and work as a promotional product, building store awareness in the community. According to Terry Lyle, advertising manager with Whirley Industries, most smoothie bars that offer branded reusable cups make them part of an ongoing promotional program.