A new restaurant opened this week across the street from Lincoln-Way Central High School. 

Phil Knippen, the franchise owner for Tropical Smoothie Cafe, opened the restaurant at 7 a.m. Friday, April 20 at 1872 Lincoln Hwy., filling the storefront that's been empty since Quizno's closed about a year ago.

Knippen has been an area developer for Tropical Smoothie, which is based out of Florida, for about a year. His goal is to develop at least 10 franchises in the area, but it's also expected that developers own a franchise. 

Although he lives in Tinley Park, Knippen said he liked what New Lenox brought.

"New Lenox is a growing town and it's a city I like," he said. "I like that it's right across from the school."

It could be welcomed news for the students who go to school across the street from the restaurant. Besides Quizno's closing, the popular Wynder's Spiral Cut Hot Dogs has also closed recently. 

Knippen said he thinks Tropical Smoothie is different from Paradise Smoothie & Coffee, which is also close by, because of its large food menu. According to Tropical Smoothie's website, the menu includes smoothies, sandwiches, wraps, salads and breakfast options.

"Our motto is eat better, feel better," Knippen said. "I don't think there's too many healthy franchise food restaurants." 

The restaurant will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to either 8 or 9 p.m. on the weekends.