Tropical Smoothie Cafe — Restaurant in Salem

While I would love to give the Tropical Smoothie location in Salem, VA a 5-star review, unfortunately it falls short.

First, the hours posted on Google are incorrect — the store closes at 9pm, not 10pm. When I brought this up, staff argued with me instead of acknowledging the mistake. That experience alone pushed me to finally write a review.

I truly enjoy Tropical Smoothie as a brand — their smoothies are some of my favorites, and the Chia Oatmeal Pudding is amazing. However, this particular location consistently struggles with customer service and food preparation. Almost every time I’ve ordered a Strawberry Limeade, I’ve had to ask for it to be remade. My most recent Chia Oatmeal Pudding was less than half full and topped with brown, overripe bananas.

The staff often come across as unhappy and dismissive, which makes the experience less enjoyable. Wait times can also be frustrating — up to 15 minutes whether in the drive-through or inside.

What’s disappointing is that when orders are remade, they’re usually done correctly, so I know this location can deliver quality. I’ve gone out of my way while traveling to stop at other Tropical Smoothies and never had these issues — it seems unique to the Salem, VA store.

I keep returning because I like the products, but I really hope this location can improve. With better customer service, attention to food prep, and accurate posted hours, it could easily be a...

I ordered a smoothie along with a chicken flatbread, a bag of chips, and a kale salad. People in the cafe had visibly been waiting a long time to get their orders. I saw one customer had ordered food and a smoothie like me, and they brought out his smoothie first then brought out his food after once it was finally prepared. I assumed the same would be the case for me, as they brought my smoothie after a 15 minute wait and I didn't mind waiting a few extra minutes for my food. Well, I never got my food! By the time I had been in there an hour, I went up to the desk to check on the rest of my food and none of the employees bothered to come up to ask what I need despite me clearly standing there. They were purposely not even looking out where I and other customers were standing. I ran out of time and just walked out. I would've thought the food would be easier than the smoothies to get out quickly but I guess not. Nothing was streamlined about how things were...

This morning my cousin (who works there) and I came to get the new ohana smoothie. I had placed an online order and when we got to the drive thru they informed us they were out of blue spirulina, they asked if we would like to change them, we replied and said to keep them the same just without the blue spirulina but acted as if it was an issue making them that way. Her smoothie was a normally smoothie consistency, but my had ice chips and was almost too thick to even drink, had little to no flavor as well. I come often and normally have no issue other than the service being externally slow, which did happen this morning as well. We waited 18 minutes for two smoothies. I was very unsatisfied with the service provided this morning. I tried calling to see if they would be willing to fix it, but didn’t answer the phone. I’m normally not one to complain but this was...