SBlended

Sblended: How a Small Smoothie Shop Became Beverly’s Big Source of Community Energy

When Ariana Grabus signed the lease for her small smoothie bar on Cabot Street in Beverly, Massachusetts, she had modest hopes. “We thought maybe we’d have 25 customers on our first day,” she recalls. But as the doors opened — just before the world shut down in 2020 — something magical happened.

“Our line wrapped around the street! My family became volunteer employees that day,” Ariana laughs. “We made 101 smoothies — it was exciting and exhausting in the best way. Patrons were happy, and from that day forward, our incredible community started to take form.”

From that whirlwind opening day, Sblended Nutrition was born — a bright, welcoming space in the heart of Beverly dedicated to healthy fast food for smart people.

A Mission to Nourish and Energize

Sblended is a nutrition-based smoothie bar with a mission as clear as its name: to provide great nutrition to the entire community. Whether customers come in to reach a health goal, grab a quick and delicious meal replacement, or simply hang out, they leave feeling uplifted — body and soul.

What started as a “take-out only” shop during mask mandates has evolved into a beloved local gathering place

“Sblended today has become a space where friends and family meet to hang out, sip back and relax — or leave feeling better than when they walked in,” Ariana says proudly.

The shop has hosted workout classes, protein ball workshops, wreath-making events, and pop-ups for local artists— all within its cozy corner at 279 Cabot Street. It’s more than a smoothie bar; it’s a place for connection, creativity, and positivity.

Community at the Core

If you’ve ever walked into Sblended, you know the vibe immediately: bright, cheerful, and fueled by genuine energy. Every customer is greeted with a smile — and often leaves with not just a smoothie, but also a motivational message.

“The positive community we’ve built is what keeps my heart full,” Ariana says. “I say ‘we’ because my incredible team and our customers are what make Sblended so unique. The genuine connections that are made daily keep the heart of our business beating strong.”

It’s that sense of connection that has allowed Sblended to thrive through challenges and changing times on Cabot Street. Even as the pace of foot traffic has slowed recently, Ariana and her team continue to find new ways to reach people who are looking for healthier, happier options.

Balancing Business and Motherhood

For Ariana, one of her biggest challenges as a small business owner hasn’t been making smoothies — it’s balancing her passion for Sblended with becoming a new mom. “It truly takes a village,” she says. “Some days are ‘bring your baby to work day.’ I’m so grateful for the family support I have. It’s what makes this possible.”

Over time, Ariana has learned that success isn’t just about hustle — it’s about balance. “In the early days, I was full-force focused on my business — blinders on! Then came the realization to slowwwww down. Meeting my husband and starting a family helped me cherish the small moments with the people I love. That’s what matters most.”

Collaboration Over Competition

Sblended’s success is built on relationships — both with customers and fellow business owners.

“We love collaborating with other local businesses — hosting pop-ups in our shop or at theirs,” Ariana says. “We also support Beverly Bootstraps and volunteer during their holiday drives. Giving back is a big part of who we are.”

Ariana’s philosophy on small business success is simple but powerful: “Follow each other, send each other customers, shop local daily, and always cheer each other on. We all do better when we lift each other up.”

Looking Ahead

Ariana’s long-term goal is to ensure that Sblended continues to thrive — even beyond her own ownership “Someday, I’d love for someone who’s just as passionate as me to take over Sblended and make it their own. And who knows — maybe I’ll open more stores wherever I can!”

For anyone dreaming of starting their own business, Ariana’s advice is as refreshing as one of her smoothies: “Don’t be afraid to fail! Dive in headfirst and bring your passion with you. Your energy will attract your community of people!”