Smoothie business owner describes her labor of love

MOSES LAKE - Basin native Carly Jansen is bringing the food truck craze to Moses Lake, but with a little twist.

Instead of serving main dishes, Jansen's mobile truck will feature a variety of fruit smoothies, juices and ice cream. The Smoothery officially opens for business Thursday.

Jansen said The Smoothery was born out of her desire to create fresh, healthy and convenient treats for customers.

Her menu includes the Cinnamon Delight smoothie, made with blueberries, bananas, cinnamon and honey; the Protein Power smoothie, with vanilla protein, spinach, bananas, coconut oil and chia seeds and a pineapple, orange and vanilla juice dubbed "The Creamsicle."

Customers can choose between regular milk or almond, coconut or soy milk for smoothies. In addition, agave, honey, stevia and maple syrup can be substituted for sweeteners.

Ice cream lovers can indulge with Jansen's blueberry sorbet or strawberry banana and chocolate coconut ice cream flavors.

"I wanted everything to be healthy, tasty and most of all quick and convenient," she said.

Jansen said for the most part, the truck will be parked next to Moses Lake Steel, on West Broadway Avenue and South Gibby Road. But since it is a mobile truck, she plans to take it on the road every now and then.

Starting Thursday, she will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday through Saturday. She said she is also able to bring The Smoothery to birthday parties, weddings, fundraisers and other special occasions.

"Food trucks are really big right now, and that's part of the fun is being able to take it places," Jansen said.

The Smoothery is Jansen's first business venture. Originally from Royal City, she has spent the past few years working in Seattle's culinary scene.

"I went to culinary school out there and worked in a few restaurants but I missed family, I missed home," she said. "So I wanted to come back but still stay in the industry."

Jansen said she noticed there weren't many mobile food trucks or healthy options for quick food in the area. So she came up with the idea for The Smoothery, purchased a food truck and spent the next couple of months getting things in order.

"It was a lot of work, but I'm glad I get to finally open," said Jansen.

While establishing her first business took a lot of work, she did admit to having some fun along the way. Coming up with her menu for example, was one of the highlights.

"My family helped out a lot too, they did taste tests on everything," said Jansen.

Their favorites are The Creamsicle juice as well as the Banana Pancakes smoothie, she said.

"We got it to where the Banana Pancakes tastes just like Banana Pancakes," said Jansen. "It's really amazing."

The smoothie is made using bananas, mangoes, oatmeal, walnuts and maple syrup.

Jansen said she's excited for people in the area to try her creations.

For more information, visit www.thesmootherytruck.com.