Pulp Juice and Smoothie Bar celebrated its 20th anniversary this month with promotions, giveaways, new menu items and more.
The smoothie bar opened its first location in Kent in 2005, and is known for its smoothies made with 100% real fruit and vegetables. The chain has exceeded 50 locations in the past 20 years, including a new location in Zanesville that opened at the beginning of this month.
Pulp also serves smoothies with a variety of enhancers, such as protein or energy supplements, that customers can add to their drinks. Smoothies, wraps, salads and acai bowls are also on the menu.
Founder Thom Knepp operates the Kent location and said the 20th anniversary means a lot to the company.
“It’s just a reflection of being thankful for everyone who has helped us get here along the way,” Knepp said. “So many restaurants have opened, and 50% of those close in the first year, and it is such a hard thing to do, so to get to 20 is an accomplishment. I am just grateful and appreciative of everyone who has helped get us here.”
In honor of the 20th anniversary, a new Spirulina Spiral Smoothie is now available on the menu. The vibrant blue smoothie is a premium-blended drink with pineapple juice, mangos, bananas, peaches and spirulina sorbet.
Additionally, to celebrate, Pulp offered a promotion of free smoothies for a year to a lucky customer.
“There is a lot that we are doing,” Knepp said. “As we get moving, we are having promotions all throughout the month of April. We have a new product we are featuring called the Spirulina Spiral. We are just having fun with it. Shirts and different promos will be available as well.”
Throughout the month of April, several coupons are available to customers for specific menu items up to 50% off.
Pulp Smoothie Bar is also known for its friendly environment and fast-paced customer service. Knepp made it clear that the company enjoys hiring Kent State students to offer them a place to experience opportunities for growth and advancement.
Pulp Massillon location owners, Jason Friedt and Justin Daubenmire, said Pulp is a positive work environment, and it means a lot to them and their employees.
“We are just overall excited for the brand growth we have accomplished,” Friedt said. “We have been a part of the company for the last seven years, and we can’t wait for what the future will bring to Pulp. We’ve been open since COVID, and so it’s been a long journey, but a fun one.”
Pulp’s Kent hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Emma Campbell is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
