Aloha, Wantagh!

Maui Wowi
1896 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh
(516) 785-2620
www.facebook.com/MauiWowiLi

Who hasn’t dreamt of trading in the urban rat-race for life on a tropical island? In a sense, this is what Nicole and Joseph Marsh have done. They left the corporate IT world, purchased a Maui Wowi franchise, and now sell Hawaiian coffee, smoothies and snacks, greeting customers with, “Aloha.” They love it, as do their three young children.

Maui Wowi franchises can take several different forms, specifically a retail store, Ka’anapali Cart (K-cart), kiosk, or a mobile concession. With the rights to eventually open ten, the Marshes have started with a shop in Wantagh, and an eight-foot K-cart they store in a trailer. The latter, with a thatched roof and a surf board on top, can be set up for street fairs, festivals, parks, beaches, catered affairs, etc. Their Tiki Bar, which is their catering unit, is a scaled down version of the event K-cart.

Nicole and Joseph fell in love with Hawaii’s healthy and natural lifestyle on their honeymoon. “Hawaiian flavor, island attitude,” is the slogan on their menu. They will greet you in Hawaiian shirts. You can have your Kona blend espresso drink or smoothie at a table, or on a real surf board. They have assorted Hawaiian cookies, and bagels and muffins from local bakeries. They also serve Paninis.

Smoothies are made with pre-measured fresh fruit purees and raw milk non-fat yogurt. Sweetness comes from the fruit and/or natural beet sugar. Choose from Island Favorites or Blends of the Day, such as Kona Rain (black raspberry and kiwi lemon-lime) or Wistful Waikiki (strawberry and pina colada). “Smoothie Boosters” (supplements) can be added for extra energy, fiber, vitamins and protein. Their yogurt muffins have seven grams of protein. Smoothies are gluten-free, certified kosher, and garnished with a paper parasol.