By JUDY SHERARD

jsherard@dailynews.net

Smoothie lovers will have a new source for their passion this spring.

Troy Robinson and his wife, Karrah, are opening a Smoothie King franchise in the former Rag Motors location on north Vine.

Robinson plans to remodel the existing building, the smaller of the two, at the front of the property to meet the company's specifications. Construction should begin in early January, and the business is expected to open in three or four months.

A Smoothie King real estate specialist came to Hays and looked at several locations with Robinson. Together, they decided that location would be convenient for interstate travelers and local residents, Robinson said.

Smoothie King is a healthier alternative to fast food, he said.

Besides choosing from a variety of flavors of smoothies made with real fruit and natural juices, enhancers to help boost energy, relieve stress or build muscle can be added, according to the company website.

Sport beverages, energy bars and healthy snacks such as veggie chips also are available, as well as nutritional and dietary supplements, said Richard Levelle Jr., executive vice-president of franchise and development and real estate.

The closest Smoothie King is in Wichita, and there are some in the Kansas City area, but Robinson said his wife is from Houston and knew about them there.

Smoothie King co-founder Steve Kuhnau first opened a health food store. In 1989, he developed the franchise concept for Smoothie King, which has grown to 600 stores, Levelle said.

Franchises are owned locally because "local business people care about the business and their guests," he said.

This is Robinson's first franchise business. A member of the family who owned Adronics, Robinson said when that business was sold, he decided to do something different.

The larger building at the rear of the property will be turned into storage units.