Tropical Smoothie Café, a tropical-themed smoothie and sandwich chain with more than 285 locations, announced today that registered dietitian Darcie Ellyne has joined the company to provide customers with the information and support they need to achieve healthy lifestyles.
Ellyne will serve as a resident expert to answer nutrition-related inquiries from customers and promote active lifestyles and the healthy menu options at Tropical Smoothie Café. As the “Tropical Smoothie Café Nutritional Lifeguard,” Ellyne will use social media to provide sound, evidenced-based nutrition information and lifestyle guidelines for all who seek to improve their lives. She will also help the company revamp its nutritional analysis.
“We are thrilled to welcome Darcie to Tropical Smoothie Café,” says Jim Valentino, president and chief operating officer. “Her expertise in nutrition and dietary trends is invaluable as we continue to emphasize our fresh, high-quality, healthy meal options and encourage our customers to lead active lives.”
Ellyne has a master’s degree in nutrition science from San Jose State University and has provided nutrition consulting and menu-labeling services to the restaurant industry for more than 20 years. As a registered dietitian and culinary nutrition consultant, Ellyne uses state-of-the-art database technology to generate accurate nutrition analysis. She also has experience in foodservice management and enhanced her nutrition expertise with culinary training at the renowned École de Gastronomie Française Ritz-Escoffier in Paris.
Among her responsibilities for Tropical Smoothie Café are completing timely and accurate nutrition analysis for about 84 main menu recipes, ongoing recipe analysis for new items and limited-time offerings, and development of a comprehensive allergy awareness program for training staff to manage guests with allergies. Tropical Smoothie Café will rely on Ellyne’s expertise in guiding it through menu labeling requirements that are on the forefront.
“Tropical Smoothie Café has taken the lead in encouraging active lives and offering menu items that give consumers a healthful option,” Ellyne says. “I’m proud to be part of an organization that takes health issues seriously and has the best interests of their diners in mind.”
