Maddie Brogan is a Grey Lynn entrepreneur with a big vision and lofty ideals.
Where did the idea of a food truck come from?
I was at the beach with some friends when a Mr Whippy van pulled up. I joked with my friends that it would be a fun life travelling around and pulling up in exotic locations. The more I thought about the more I thought, “why not?”
What’s your favourite smoothie memory?
I’ve spent a lot of time in the Cook Islands because my dad is a Cook Islander - that’s where I get my curls from. I love the smoothies there. They cut open the coconut and papaya right in front of you - you can’t get fresher than that.
What makes a good smoothie?
A smoothie has to taste delicious, be good for you and it has to look good. We eat with our eyes.
Lots of fresh fruit is the main thing. Plus, I add a few special extras like coconut yoghurt and spirulina, to pack them full of goodness and flavour. My smoothies are gluten free, dairy free, vegan smoothies. A lot of people think that a smoothie should have milk but I think that just makes them milkshakes.
What is the difference between a smoothie and a smoothie bowl?
The smoothie bowl has a texture like sorbet, thick and soft on top of granola, with a dollop of coconut yoghurt and freshly chopped seasonal fruit topped with chia seeds and buckwheat.
The smoothie has more coconut water and no granola. It is Blitzd to make it easier to drink.
Why Grey Lynn Farmers Market?
I’ve been trying out a few locations, but I feel at home here. I live just around the corner, I went to school and played soccer at Western Springs. I know lots of locals. The sustainability and nutritional ethics of the market fit with my own values.
Who are all those people who we see with you at
the market?
Family and friends. I am so lucky to have such a wide and skilled
support network. They all want to see me succeed and I couldn’t do it without them... and they all are looking for a smoothie.