Having already become the ire of mom-and-pop coffee shops, Starbucks has been exploring ways to compete with your local watering hole. And now it looks like they’re poised to take over your juice spot, too. The coffee chain opened its first Evolution Fresh juice bar location today in Bellevue, Wash., after buying the juice chain last November.
Starbucks is maneuvering to enter the health-food sector, Reuters reports, and the company hopes the juice chain will be the key to getting them there. Expect to find smoothies, plus fresh and bottled fruit and vegetable juices—perfect for those into the juice cleanse fad — and food, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
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The juice chain was first started by the founder of Naked Juice in southern California, which should may lend the company some credibility among juice aficionados. Starbucks’ press release announcing its first Evolution Fresh store boasts of the chain’s commitment to “real, pure ingredients,” describing the high pressure processing system which helps the juice retain more flavors and nutrients from its ingredients. So, if the powder nutrient boosts at your normal juice chain haven’t been doing it for you lately, this may be your alternative.
Perhaps the key to Evolution Fresh’s future held domination will lie in its retail options. Juices and food products will also be sold at outside supermarkets, like Whole Foods, as well as other stores, including Starbucks. Your move, Jamba Juice.
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