Jamba — Restaurant in Maui

I'm not a huge fan of the Jamba Juice chain but I've patronized them a few times in the past.

BRIEF HISTORY: The company's original name was Juice Club Inc., founded in 1990 by a college student named Kirk Perron as a senior project. The company later acquired all Zuka Juice locations in 2001, a smoothie company that had several locations nationwide. Outside of the USA, Jamba Juice has multiple international locations.

ATMOSPHERE: This location is in the Queen Kaahumanu Center, first level at the main entrance. The store is bright and airy with a few countertop-style seats. Like other JJ stores, a powerful smell of fruits and citrusy scents hits you in the face as you enter, like a blow from Mike Tyson.

MENU: Smoothies, juices, juice shots, fruit & açaí bowls. Some locations serve food but not here.

BEVERAGE: The first drink I tried was some berry concoction that was too tart for me, so I stopped patronizing them. That is until someone turned me on to the Orange Dream Machine. Holy yum!? Seriously, a creamsicle-flavored smoothie? Genius! I like it plain, with no grass clippings, boosters or shots. But, all that sugar inside makes it a rare treat for me. Props that they give you any extra portions in a separate cup.

SERVICE: Never had anything to complain about and beverage service is usually quick.

OVERALL: Fresh ingredients...

I used to work at Jamba Juice here on island so I am usually very lenient with long wait times, mess ups, etc. But todays experience was horrible. Todays my birthday so I wanted to get my birthday smoothie. First, I am just waiting…and waiting… Then, a whole tower of blenders falls onto the floor and flies everywhere (including all over my dress). That part wasn’t the issue- no one apologized or offered any assistance which to me was not good service at all. I then wiped off the smoothie and stood without being helped by myself at the reg for a good 5 minutes in total. I understand not answering the customer when you are slammed, but it seemed there was only two other people in the store. Once I got my drink- a matcha green tea blast and my cheddar twist, I went outside to eat it immediately. The cheddar twist must have been previously frozen because it was very cold and lukewarm at the least. My matcha green tea blast tasted like an orange dream- either they didn’t clean the scoop well or they haven’t kept the frozen yogurts well separated. Anyways, not a great experience- I hate to be this person, but this was upright...

My daughter wanted a pretzel after the dentist and they were cash only today. Didn’t have cash so offered her a Jamba Juice and pretzel from Jamba. The store had a rotting smell and thought it might just be some cleaning supplies. The pretzel was so rotten and tasted like the smell inside the place, I spit it out immediately and told my daughter not to eat it. Now I’m questioning if the staff knew because the two ladies working were laughing like they were hiding something, I found their behavior super odd. I’ve never complained or written a bad review in my life. That pretzel tasted like an old shoe been worn by homeless blanket lady from Paia. If I wasn’t in my car with a crying newborn I would have went back in for at least a refund. Reminder to myself of why I should just make my own food. Nasty 🤮 don’t buy their food unless you like that new...