One of my favorite places to visit in Oneida when I visit friends and family is a small shop downtown named the Blend. “From cold brew lattes and sparkling water to smoothies, smoothie bowls, sweets, and waffles, there’s something on the menu for everyone because it’s all made-to-order.” (Pritchard, 2020) The Blend was started when four sisters were tired of driving to Syracuse and Utica whenever they had a smoothie craving. So, they decided to add flavor to Oneida. Located at 105 Main St. and with a huge online presence, The Blend serves the greater Oneida community and hosts a welcoming atmosphere for all meetings or office escapes.
After just opening in 2020, right before the global shut down and introduction of COVID, The Blend had a community to feed, and a bowl to get out. Owners had to quickly set up their online presence, as the world quickly transitioned to online. At first glance, their social media is very appealing to the 18-24 year old demographic. In 2 years, they have gained over 2,000 followers, which I consider successful.
Day to day on Blend’s Instagram posts consist of smoothies, bowls and new menu items that drop. Both their store and Instagram are busiest during the summer, when it’s hot out and people are looking for cold juices and snacks to cool down. Before winter 2021-22, The Blend expanded their market to those looking for organic household items, introducing the Blend Market. Although they did advertise, I don’t think they got much foot traffic inn the store, because of space and publicity. The Blend Market didn’t have as many followers on Instagram. Shortly after opening The Market, the facility had a small fire creating a total loss, losing the buzz on the street. With no expected date of reopening, both sites lost followers and sales, but with the relaunch I think with a few boosted posts on Facebook, Instagram, and around the community, the sisters and owners will quickly gain their following back.
With Spring and warmer weather on the way, if the Blend can get in the local parks during festivals or concerts, providing samples and business cards, or unique tchotchkes, the community will remember and visit their new facility and fall in love with the comfortable atmosphere and delicious food, just as I did.
Pritchard, C. (2020, February). New business seeks to add flavor to Oneida. The Daily Sentinel. Retrieved March 9, 2022, from https://romesentinel.com/stories/new-business-seeks-to-add-flavor-to-oneida,92725
Bushels of Fun 