The Difference is a Dancing Banana

Within 2 miles of where I live there is a Planet Smoothie, Smoothie King, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Jamba Juice and Smoothie Junction.

How is it possible that we need four different places to purchase basically the same thing? On a quick look at all of their websites, they all promise two things: made with real fruit and healthy. Would it even be a smoothie if it wasn't made with real fruit and was healthy?

The only differences I have ever noticed about these smoothie joints is the dancing banana that Planet Smoothie has out on the street. You all know who I'm talking about. For some reason, Planet Smoothie is convinced that if they put an angry teenager with headphones on in a funny banana suit out on the street that I will be compelled to pull in for a smoothie.

I'm not convinced. The only thing I'm motivated to do when seeing a dancing banana is to honk and keep driving by. You may have also seen an upgrade of the dancing banana boy, apparently Planet Smoothie is now using a dancing cup to grab your interest. What is it about a person dancing in a giant costume on a hot summer day that makes us turn our heads and stare ,but still have absolutely no desire to stop and buy a smoothie? Have you ever bought a smoothie because of a dancing kid in a costume out on the street?

I remember a few years back, when smoothies were the in thing. Everyone went to Planet Smoothie, it was hip and trendy to have a smoothie for lunch or as a healthy afternoon snack. Did I stop paying attention to what was going on or are smoothies still in? Apparently someone is drinking them if where I'm from there are 4 independent shops all within 2 miles of each other and only one of them has a dancing banana.

If Smoothie King, Planet Smoothie, Jamba Juice, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Smoothie Junction are all going to serve the exact same product then I think it's only appropriate to have a smoothie mascot dance off at the busiest intersection in town. This is the only true test to determine who deserves my business. Turn up your hardcore music and sit back to watch the competition. This might be a good idea for the next new dancing reality show. Who needs Dancing with the Stars when you could have Dancing with the Smoothie Mascots?