News - Florence's smoothie scene is changing: Smoothie King closes as new cafes emerge.

In a ripple of retail shifts on Florence's bustling Pamplico Highway, the local Smoothie King has officially closed its doors permanently as of March 2026. This closure follows a temporary shutdown in February, leaving many residents uncertain until Smoothie King representative Julia Goldman confirmed the news. The now-defunct location, which launched in February 2022, ends its service streak in Florence, leaving the brand's other location on Woody Jones Blvd as the sole survivor in the area. The trajectory of business in the region has been notably volatile, with other closures and openings marking the landscape. Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, located just across the street, shuttered in January 2026 after less than five years in business. Yet, the commercial strip isn't waning; new ventures are sprouting up, painting a different future for Florence's local market. Meow Tea, a quaint bubble tea shop serving an eclectic range of boba, coffees, and delightful pastries, welcomed patrons in 2024, revitalizing a part of the strip left deserted by departing businesses. Meanwhile, the intersection of Church Street and Pamplico Highway turned into a new hotspot with Slim Chickens debuting in April 2024. Not too long after, Dunkin Donuts opened a branch next door, marking its fourth location in Florence and adding to the revived vigor of the area. These transitions represent a broader pattern of renewal and diversification in Florence’s economic landscape, underscoring the adaptability and resilience of its retail sector. While long-standing brands like Smoothie King and Freddy’s retreat, innovative cafes and eateries step forward, hinting at a vibrant reinvention of community spaces prioritizing varied culinary experiences.