Starbucks Opens Juice Bar: What is Evolution Fresh?

On Monday, Starbucks, the well-known coffee company, opened the doors to their latest store, Evolution Fresh. Don't expect to walk in there for your daily coffee fix though; Starbucks newest venture is a juice bar. The company hopes that this move will boost their position in the $50 billion health food sector.

According to Businessweek, Evolution Fresh is the brain child of Jimmy Rosenberg, founder of Naked Juice. The juice maker had been available in grocery stores before Starbucks purchased Evolution Fresh in November. The deal cost the coffee company a whopping $30 million.

The first and currently only location of the Evolution Fresh juice bar can be found in an upscale shopping area in Bellevue, Washington. Those not in the Bellevue, Washington area can still load up on the nourishing juices. Evolution Fresh juices are bottled and available at over 100 retailers, including Whole Foods. The beverages will also appear in Starbucks' company-owned stores later in the year, reported Businessweek.

Evolution Fresh boasts a wide menu, with everything from juice to soup, salad and wraps. The menu presents a wide range of vegan and vegetarian food as well.

Handcrafted juices from Evolution Fresh are all heat-free, sugar-free and straight from the vine. The website explains that these components help the juices stay alive with nutrients and vitamins. The Bellevue Evolution Fresh location features flavors that range from Spiced Carrot (carrot, blueberries, cinnamon) to Coconut Zen (coconut water, pineapple, cucumber). Customers can also mix up their own fresh concoction using greens, carrots, beets, coconut water, pineapple and blueberry. Prices for the mixed juices are a little pricey though, with an 8oz size costing $4.99 and a 16oz costing $7.99.

Although the store only opened a day ago, it seems to be bringing Starbucks some good financial luck. On Monday, Starbucks shares rose 34 cents, closing at $53.55.