Ming and Helen Yu opened a Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise in downtown Bellevue after witnessing its popularity first-hand through their children.

The Yus’ sons first experienced the fast-casual restaurant at a national tennis tournament in North Carolina, enjoying the smoothies, but also Tropical Smoothie’s sandwiches, tacos and wraps.

“Every single day they kept going to the same cafe; they loved their food,” said Helen Yu. “They’re just addicted.”

Tropical Smoothie Cafe opened last week at 10445 N.E. Fourth St., across from the construction site for the Lincoln Square expansion downtown. The Yus signed their lease in October and then spent two months in Atlanta receiving leadership and menu training at Tropical Smoothie’s corporate cafe.

Ming Yu said of the 30 smoothies on the menu, 50 percent of sales have been for the Island Green smoothie. Tacos and wraps are selling better than the sandwiches and flatbreads.

“We haven’t really hit our downtown crowd yet,” he said.

Helen Yu said she thinks Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s slogan of “Eat better, feel better” is one hungry and thirsty downtown customers can get behind.

“I think it fits this market very well,” she said. “People here are so health conscious.”