Life is Sweet

By Chandra Sparks Splond

Photos by Mary Tweedy

If you’re looking for a quick treat or filling snack, look no further than FAB Fruit, one of Hoover’s newer restaurants, which is located in Stadium Trace Village and will soon be celebrating its first anniversary.

Opened in October 2021 by husband and wife duo Brad and Kaye Tompkins, FAB Fruit offers made-to-order tasty and nutritional sweet treats that use high-quality ingredients without any sugar.

The shop menu includes tropical fruit bowls, fruit smoothies and yogurt bowls, including the Kryptonite, which has a base of spinach, pineapple, white grape juice, banana and mango and is topped with strawberry, pineapple, coconut flakes, honey, chia seed and granola. Smoothies like Bad Habits, which includes pineapple, strawberry, banana and white grape juice are also a popular option.

According to Brad, he and his wife worked with a personal chef, who took their ideas and helped develop them into recipes. Coupled with “lots of taste testing, trial and error,” they were able to design a menu that patrons love.

“The Purple Power Bowl is our most popular,” Brad said of FAB Fruit’s bowls. “The smoothie base combines acai, peanut butter, banana and vanilla protein powder. We add a layer of granola, then a layer of fresh strawberries, blackberries and banana. We finish this bowl with Nutella and peanut butter topping.”

“My family and I visit FAB Fruit at least once a week,” says patron Hope Crocker. “With the variety of bowl and smoothie options on the menu, as well as being able to create my own bowl, there is always something new to try. I love the unique combinations of fruits. The different textures of the fruit puree, the granola and the sliced fruit make each bite an explosion of flavor! With protein in the fruit blend, the bowls are a great meal replacement but also a fun snack when I am out and about in Hoover. Even my sons who are 15, 13 and 9 love going to FAB. They think it is just a yummy dessert, but I know that it is a healthy meal. Sports take a lot out of their bodies, and the antioxidants in the fruit are great for sustained energy and muscle recovery.”

Even though the antioxidants are an added benefit that patrons enjoy, many of them come back for the taste, as well as the atmosphere and the service from FAB Fruit’s 20 employees, most of whom are working their first job.

“I love FAB Fruit,” patron Mitzi Eaker says. “Their fruit bowls and smoothies are fresh and delicious. The service is constantly the same—friendly staff, highest-quality products, great menu and a fabulous atmosphere. My favorite bowl is the Yogurt Bowl with Greek yogurt, lite granola, bananas, strawberries, blueberries and lite honey on top. I’m pretty addicted to it! My favorite smoothie is The Monster Smoothie with banana, almond milk, chocolate protein, acai and peanut butter.”

The Tompkins’ used their business savvy to help with conceptualizing FAB Fruit. Although they are no strangers to the city of Hoover or the business world, FAB Fruit is their first foray into restaurants.

“We already operate other non-restaurant businesses, so we bring an understanding of what business takes,” Brad says. “Our entire existence centers around Hoover, and we love the city. The only decision was where in the city we would be. It is a fun business, and we really enjoy our customers and employees.”

In addition to the food, the customers enjoy being able to patronize a small local business.

“Supporting local small businesses is important to us. The owners of FAB Fruit and other locally owned restaurants are investing in the community by providing places to gather. By choosing FAB Fruit over other chain restaurants, I feel that I am helping to keep variety and uniqueness in Hoover. Also, the young adults who work at FAB Fruit are always kind and happy to serve, making it an enjoyable atmosphere to bring friends and family who visit from out of town,” Hope says.

As they complete their first year of business, the Tompkins’ plan to continue with the same great family-friendly service while having an eye on the future.

“Our focus is to continue to provide the same great products and service that we have been providing since our inception. We will also continue to expand our normal menu and bring out seasonal bowls that highlight in-season fruits. We are excited for the amphitheater coming to Stadium Trace and the additional walk-through traffic it will bring,” Brad says. “Keep an eye out for a food truck. We will be expanding. New locations and a franchising agreement are being considered. Stay tuned.”

Fan Favorites

Trying FAB Fruit for the first time or looking to try something different off the menu? Whether you’re a new customer or some of the selections are new to you, the family-friendly restaurant offers everything from fruit bowls to fruit smoothies, as well as catering. Try one or a few of the FAB Fruit staff’s favorite concoctions.

McKinley

Pitaya base, granola, topped with strawberries, pineapple and honey.

Kathy

Acai base, granola, topped with strawberries, blackberries and Nutella.

Maggie

Acai base, granola, topped with strawberries, pineapple and Nutella.

Kaye

Paradise base, granola, topped with strawberries, mango, Nutella and cacao nibs.

Braunsen

Pink passion base, granola, topped with bananas and peanut butter.

Kristine

Very berry base, granola, topped with strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.