CO-FOUNDERS, NÉKTER JUICE BAR, SANTA ANA
Next-generation juice concept, known for its vegan juices, smoothies, açaí bowls, and other healthy snacks, that aims to be the Starbucks of their category. Now in the midst of an aggressive growth strategy through franchising.
THEN: Founded in 2010, the company ended 2021 with 170 locations across the U.S., with plans to open an additional 55 spots in 2022. Reported having signed another 150 agreements with new and existing franchise partners in 2021.
Steve Schulze noted a “seismic shift” in the way people viewed health during the pandemic.
NOW: The company reported a 28% increase in 2021 revenue compared to a year ago. “We maintained the strategy of controlled growth,” Steve Schulze said of the company’s expansion plans.
FUTURE: New additions to locations include window pickup and curbside storefronts. More food items will be slowly introduced as the company starts to implement ideas from 2021 brand data. These offerings highlight Schulze’s plan to ultimately drop “Juice Bar” from the company name and move forward with simply “Nékter.”
IN THEIR WORDS: “I don’t think that idea of being healthy is ever going to go out of style,” Steve Schulze said. “I don’t think anyone makes New Year’s resolutions about getting less healthy and says ‘Nope, I’ve ate too many fruits and vegetables.’ So, the wind’s at our back.”
