Meatheads coming to Barrington; Tropical Smoothie Cafe closes

Meatheads, noted for all-natural Angus beef burgers and fresh-cut fries, is expected to open this summer in the former Tropical Smoothie Cafe site in The Shops of Flint Creek in Barrington.

Atlanta, Ga.-based Tropical Smoothie, which featured smoothie drinks and other foods, closed last week and had a sign in the window that urged customers to go to its Arlington Heights location. The reason for the closure was unclear but may be related to not renewing the lease, said Barrington planner Kevin Kramer.

“We wish Tropical Smoothie would stay somewhere in Barrington,” Kramer said.

Tropical Smoothie spokeswoman Melissa Cittadino said that particular store is looking for a new location and fans can check the corporate website for updates.

In the meantime, Barrington granted a permit for the build out of the site to Meatheads. The Meatheads’ website said it plans to open soon in Barrington and Lincolnwood, but didn’t provide a more specific date. Meatheads has 11 locations, including Naperville, Schaumburg, Northbrook and Glen Ellyn, the site said.

The Barrington restaurant is expected to feature the chain’s first drive-through service, Kramer said.

A Meatheads corporate spokesman did not immediately respond to calls for comment.

Meatheads will be in the same strip mall that includes Heinen’s Fine Foods, which opened last August with plans for another store in Glenview. The shopping area still has two other vacant storefronts, but Kramer could not say what the plans were to fill them.