Alas, those who avidly sought out the bright white truck posted up on 1st Street at the Sarasota Farmers Market may feel a knee-jerk reaction to fight back tears when they hear SaraFresh Juice has officially given up its seven-year parking spot at the Saturday downtown market. We’re sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but ’tis true: Founder and owner Lynn Morris has sold her beloved mobile juice shop on wheels. But don’t fret for long Gingeraid, Bright Eyes and Liquid Sunshine juice lovers—SaraFresh isn’t folding or going into retirement at all. The same tasteful sips and healthful bites found within the truck have taken up expanded shelf space within an anchored residence with more frequented accessibility. “For seven years, I had my truck at the Sarasota Farmers Market—it will always be my first love—but it made it challenging for some,” she shares. “Finally, a place where locals can easily access my juice!”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN
Taking over the cozy 250-square-foot cinder block space adjacent to The Overton restaurant, SaraFresh has been quietly and softly opening its first brick-and-mortar juice shop during the last month of 2020. With a grand opening planned the first week of January 2021, Morris is more than ready to have a permanent place to call home. “Having a storefront has been a dream of mine for many years,” she says. “I intend to give the same love and attention as I did on the truck and market to the Rosemary District now, which is my new home—of not only my business, but my personal address as well.”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN
Aside from blending up more of SaraFresh’s sought-after juice elixirs and vegan ice creams, the new shop will also feature an apothecary wall highlighting various superfoods and adaptogenic herbs that can be added to smoothies and its elevated bowls of acai or pitaya with house-made almond milk, buckwheat granola, Thai coconut yogurt, fresh-cut fruit, assorted drizzles and salubrious toppings. “The apothecary wall features adaptogens like pearl, yin powder and lion’s mane to educate, inspire and enhance health and well-being, which is more important than ever these days.” Morris says. Formerly bottled and sold in plastic containers, SaraFresh will be switching over to glass bottles for takeaway juices.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN
With an ordering system up and running online, or by texting JUICE to 31313, customers now have easy access to a curbside pickup option or a fast and convenient grab-and-go destination to snag cold-pressed juices, smoothies or bowls seven days a week. Though, if customers decide they’re in no rush and have time to kill or work to get done, they’re welcomed to snug up in the sun at the outdoor tables and chairs. With the ideal location and Google address to proudly call her own now, Morris plans to expand on the fun, alfresco vibe locals have come to enjoy in the lively courtyard off of Boulevard of the Arts, which has hosted various outdoor artisan markets, yoga events, live music and collaborative pop-ups.
“Christian Hershman and I are constantly chatting up ideas on how to complement the offerings at The Overton and collaborate to make the customer experience even better,” she says. “Being part of the Rosemary District is super exciting—with its urban vibe, lots of open space, dogs, kids, yoga. It’s inspiring to me.” SRQ
