Parengo selling smoothies, coffee, other items at YMCA

SIKESTON -- Across the country, many fitness chains are now offering a chance to grab a smoothie, cup of coffee or a snack before or after a member works out. You can add the YMCA of Southeast Missouri to that list.

Beginning Wednesday, locally-owned Parengo Coffee will open a kiosk at the Y that will offer smoothies, smoothie bars and their specialty coffee.

"Our goal is to provide our members, and really our community, with as many healthy living opportunities and resources possible," said Brandy Mason, member and program experience director at the YMCA. "Parengo is another piece of that puzzle for us."

Colby Williams, owner of Parengo, said that one of the goals of Parengo is to use local ingredients and partner with as many local companies as they can, so the partnership with the Y was a perfect fit.

"I think it is great for the Y to offer some of the amenities other parts of the country are offering," Williams said. "I think it is going to be important long term to maintain this type of facility."

The kiosk was open at times this week as Parengo did training and some soft openings, and the response was good. Mason said there was a lot of conversation on social media and Williams added they are getting plenty of questions.

"We've had a lot of people checking out our smoothies, checking out the ingredients," Williams said. "There is no added sugar and no added color. They are 100 percent fruit and vegetable. People have had that conversation, feeling out if that is something they want to add into their routine."

Williams said the smoothie bottles will be visible on the counter when the kiosk is open so people can read all the ingredients if they have any questions. He said they hope to add some protein powders that people can add to their smoothies as well.

He also said they would like to have more "grab-and-go protein bars available and oatmeals that are natural." He added the oatmeals won't have sugar and aside from just oatmeal may contain just blueberries or chia seeds.

"I think a lot of people working out at the Y are looking for those options," Williams said. "Usually when they are in a hurry those options are not available but now they will be."

The kiosk will also feature Parengo's popular specialty coffees for those wanting to use coffee as part of their workout routine.

"The smoothies are awesome, but they kind of speak for themselves," Williams said. "Our staff here is very knowledgeable about our coffee and if people want to try and add that into their workout these are the people who can help do it."

A ribbon cutting and coffee mixer is planned for Wednesday from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the YMCA. Then the initial hours for the kiosk will be from 7-11 a.m., however, Williams said those hours may change as they see what works best for everyone involved. He added the kiosk will also be cash only for now.

"We hope that our members will be excited about grabbing a healthy smoothie on their way out the door as they begin, or continue, their day," Mason said. "Even more so, we hope Y and community members will utilize our seating area to 'stop and smell the coffee' and have more conversations that build stronger friendships."