Smoothies are making a comeback at Wyckham
Anais Loeppky, Web Editor
Last year, Wyckham House lost Booster Juice, leaving students without the smoothie option that had been available on campus for years. Now, students may have a new option to fill that gap. The Students’ Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU) is preparing to launch West Gate Blends, a new smoothie business in Wyckham House.
A new addition to Wyckham House
West Gate Blends is described in a recent job posting as a “new campus smoothie hub” dedicated to serving the Mount Royal University community. SAMRU is currently hiring part-time staff for the new operation, with the position beginning in August 2026 and running until April 30, 2027.
The job posting provides some insight as to what students can expect from the new business.
The new smoothie hub will operate alongside other student-focused food and beverage spaces run by SAMRU.
Students know and love West Gate Social, a lounge-style gathering place known for its student-friendly pricing and welcoming atmosphere. Last year, SAMRU also opened West Gate Perks, a coffee kiosk serving speciality drinks and treats, also known for its affordable prices. This will make Blends the third SAMRU-operated business in Wyckham House.
The evolution of Wyckham House
West Gate Social has been a beloved part of SAMRU’s campus food and social programming for several years. West Gate Social opened in fall 2019 following student feedback collected by SAMRU about its previous restaurant and pub, the Hub.
According to SAMRU’s 2019-20 annual report, students identified social opportunities and food service as two of their top priorities for a student lounge. West Gate Social was subsequently designed around a value-focused food-and-beverage model.
SAMRU aimed for West Gate Social to be seen as a gathering place for students and chose to allow outside food & beverage to make the space more welcoming.
More recently, SAMRU reported that West Gate Social attracted 132,596 visitors during the fall, winter and spring semesters of the 2024-25 academic year, a 10,000-person increase from the previous year. The space hosted events including Trivia Tuesdays and Thursday’s Got Talent, as well as 22 club events. SAMRU’s annual report also highlighted $7.25 meals and low-cost beverages as part of the space’s offerings.
West Gate Blends will therefore enter an existing campus food environment rather than creating one from scratch. Its focus, however, will be different from the lounge and coffee kiosk already operated by SAMRU.
What students can expect
The current August job posting does not provide a complete menu or list specific smoothie flavours. It also does not include prices for the drinks or speciality items. What it does indicate is that customers will be able to place customised orders. Employees will be responsible for preparing those orders during regular operating hours and handling periods of higher campus traffic.
Student job opportunities
The new business will also create part-time employment opportunities for students and other potential applicants. The position is listed at $15.50 per hour, plus a share of the West Gate tip pool. Statistics Canada reported that the unemployment rate for students aged 15 to 24 reached 17.9 per cent in summer 2025, the highest rate recorded since 2009, aside from the pandemic year.
The position is structured around the academic calendar. Employees are expected to work from August 2026 until April 30, 2027, with the location closed during Mount Royal University’s winter break. The listed operating hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Those hours would make the smoothie hub primarily a weekday campus service, operating when students are most likely to be in class and moving through campus. These hours are ideal for student employees, who likely already spend time on campus during these times.
Smoothies as a staple
The arrival of West Gate Blends also comes after a long history of smoothie and juice businesses operating in Wyckham House.
The Reflector reviewed Booster Juice as part of a 2009 Wyckham House food report, describing the business as offering drinks, paninis and wraps. Back then, The Reflector reported that drinks cost approximately $5, while combo meals could cost up to $10. However, at the time, Booster Juice received a grade of C, so hopefully Blend will secure an A+.
Anticipation
There are still several details about the new business that have not been publicly announced. The exact opening date, menu, prices and available ingredients have not been included in the job posting. It is also not yet clear what speciality items will be offered alongside the smoothies or what dietary options will be available.
For now, the job posting provides the clearest indication of what West Gate Blends will look like when it begins operating. The business will employ part-time staff, offer customised smoothie orders, and operate as a campus-focused food-and-beverage service during the academic year.
For students returning to Mount Royal this fall, the new smoothie hub will add another option to Wyckham House’s food and beverage lineup.
After years of having a smoothie business in the student centre, West Gate Blends will bring the category back to campus in a new form. Exactly what will be in those cups, however, remains something students will have to wait to find out.
