Vicksburgers will soon have another way to quench their thirst, as the second-largest smoothie franchise in the United States will open a location in Pemberton Plaza.

Mississippi’s 13th Smoothie King will take the place of the former Baskin Robbins just behind Goldie’s Express.

Its owner, Kimble Slaton, said it’s just a matter of replacing the pink awning and signage around the building with that of Smoothie King’s distinctive yellow oval.

&#8220I’m just waiting to get the signs up and we’ll be ready to roll,” he said.

Slaton said he expects to sign papers in the next week making the store a reality, although he could not specify an exact opening date.

Slaton, who serves as chairman on the Vicksburg Airport Board and owns the Warren County-based surveying company CTSI, said his interest in the property stretches about three years when he approached operators of the Baskin Robbins about selling. The asking price was steep, he said.

Slaton also owns a Smoothie King franchise in Clinton at U.S. 80 and Springridge Road, one that he plans to close when the Vicksburg location is up and running.

Landing one of the country’s popular makers of the frozen concoctions is considered a positive for Pemberton Boulevard, which has seen a Kmart leave and Pemberton Square mall hustling to keep tenants.

Including Baskin Robbins, at least 10 businesses have left the area in the past two years.

Mall general manager &#8220Renee (Williams) shopped us real hard,” Slaton said, adding that the lease terms he secured from the mall’s Tennessee-based parent company, CBL & Associates Inc. were &#8220decent and better than expected.”

Kroger and Blockbuster Video are Pemberton Plaza’s anchors.

Smoothie King began making non-dairy frozen fruit concoctions in 1973 after its founder, Stephen Kuhnau, searched for ways to keep his blood sugar-related ailments and allergies in check.

In the ensuing three decades, the privately held, suburban New Orleans-based company has grown to more than 430 locations in 32 states and the District of Columbia and 12 in South Korea, trailing only Jamba Juice’s 533 locations in the scope of Smoothie franchises. Entrepreneur magazine has rated Smoothie King the top juice bar franchise in the nation for the past 15 years.

Smoothie King has more than 50 flavors, including fruit-based drinks geared for weight control and chocolate-flavored, protein-packed drinks for those wanting to add muscle.

Most locations also sell an array of other health-conscious items, from high-protein cookies to sports drinks and vitamin supplements.