Essential Smoothies

Over the past six months, we've carefully studied customer traffic patterns at both Essential locations. Based on what we've learned, we will be adjusting operating hours beginning SUNDAY to better align with customer demand!

Thank you for your understanding and continued dedication as we make these changes to better serve our customers and strengthen our business.

Heyyyy, Essential Family! 💚

We need your help! Please take a quick moment to vote and help us become #1! Every vote counts, and we truly appreciate your support.

Vote • Share • Thank You!

Be sure to check out our little love story and how we met! 🥰

Vote for Denise Smith as America's Favorite Couple! One couple will share their love story in a Variety Magazine advertorial, take home $20,000, and enjoy a triple date with Jeff & Emilie Goldblum, plus Charlie Day & Mary Elizabeth Ellis.

One of the things we're most proud of at Essential Smoothies is seeing where our customers come from. Every day, we welcome visitors from different cities, states, and even countries.

As far as we know, once you leave the Chicago area and head south on I-57, we're one of the only 100% vegan cafés until you reach St. Louis, Missouri. That has made Essential Smoothies a destination for so many people traveling through the area.

We always ask our guests, "How did you find us?" The most common answers are Google, the HappyCow app, Apple Maps, or a recommendation from someone who has already visited.

Our visitor map has become one of our favorite parts of the café. Unfortunately, this photo doesn't capture every pin we've collected over the years, so you'll have to stop in and see it in person! Just yesterday, we welcomed a visitor from Denmark who stopped by on the way to O'Hare International Airport.

Every pin on that map tells a story, and every visitor reminds us that healthy, plant-based food is bringing people together from all over the world. We never imagined our little café in Kankakee County would begin to feel like a tourist destination, but we're incredibly grateful that it has.

To everyone who has made Essential Smoothies a stop on your journey—thank you. We can't wait to welcome many more travelers through our doors.