MARION — A smoothie and juice bar is one step closer to opening after two permits were approved during a Planning Board meeting on Monday night.

Marion Nutrition, owned by Kristina Nelson and soon to be located at 3 Wells Road, required special permits in order to open as a fast food restaurant and general retail establishment.

“I know, Krissie, you’re probably looking at that kind of strange considering it's not really a fast food restaurant,” Vice-Chairperson Andrew Daniel said, “but it's the closest thing we have to saying that that's what it is.”

The smoothie and juice bar will operate as a nutrition club, where members will be able to purchase health-focused juices and smoothies.

As a spot for quick take-out health foods, Daniel said the establishment posed no foreseeable risk to traffic flow or safety, and would pair nicely with the other shops in the area.

“If you look at the other businesses that are in that proximity today, it fits,” Daniel said.

Board Member Eileen Marum agreed, adding the nutrition club would serve “social, economic and community needs.”

“Welcome aboard,” Board Member Christopher Collings said to Nelson. “The hard work is making a small business go — let’s get out of her way.”

The Board unanimously approved both permits and wished her luck.

“I expect to see all of you come through my door,” Nelson said.

“I normally reject healthy food,” Daniel said, “but I’ll give it a shot.”