The owners of Kitsap’s Emerald City Smoothie stores have decided to break ties with the Washington-based chain.

Beginning July 1, Kitsap’s three Emerald City Smoothie stores will operate as an independent business under the same owners.

Owner Marleen Madding said Tuesday the stores, in East Bremerton, Silverdale and Port Orchard, will become Blenders…eat happy!

Madding operates the three locations with her husband John Madding.

“We’re disassociating,” she said, declining to go into further detail about the explanation for breaking away from franchise.

She said there will be a grand reopening although no date has been set.