Downtown Pleasanton’s new Juice & Java Express, at 55 West Angela, is the product of its owner’s creative energy and enthusiasm for healthy living.
“I have been in the mortgage industry for many years and that industry was able to satisfy my need to create, add value, and be proud of a finished product,” said Juice & Java Express owner, Angela Aloise.
“(But) I found myself looking for another outlet to create and add value for myself and others.”
After years of making homemade juicing mixes with her husband, Ron, Aloise got to thinking.
“I thought that this community lacked a quality juice and smoothie retailer that actually juiced the fruit and vegetables that are used in the products that are being sold,” she said.
Blending healthful beverage options with the social aspects of coffee options, Aloise’s efforts yielded what has become a welcome addition to downtown Pleasanton.
Her grown son, Devin, was the inspiration for Aloise to offer organic and fair trade coffee to the mix.
This “fusion” of juice, smoothie, and coffee all in the same storefront came about to expand the quality of products and also out of Aloise’s desire to provide convenience to the weary consumer.
“We recalled in years past having to stand in line at a well known juice company for a smoothie for our son, then having to go next door to the well known coffee shop and stand in line again for my mocha.”
Juice & Java Express is not just about beverages. While customers enjoy fresh juice, whole fruit and vegetable smoothies and coffee offerings all day, mornings bring homemade steaming cups of oatmeal and lunch brings homemade salads and sandwiches prepared fresh daily.
While continuing to enjoy working with RPM Mortgage in Pleasanton, Aloise plans to expand the Juice & Java Express concept.
“I intend to franchise the company,” she said.
“We have been open for five months and I have been advised to wait a year and do my research during that period. I have had interest however I prefer to be cautious to make sure that we have a model where we can all be successful.”
Aloise believes that if Americans want to grow a sustainable economy again, “we need to relearn this lost trait” of being entrepreneurial.
“There is value and joy in being a small business owner in a community. There is value in building the economy of the community though the lease, the construction, and employing people. There is joy is building new relationships with customers and other local business owners,” she said.
Despite a still slow-growing economy, however, Aloise said Juice and Java has grown each week since opening in late November, 2011.
“We have many regulars who come in several times a week,” she said. “I believe this trend will continue to grow as the community realizes that there is a healthy alternative to fast food here.”
Customers, she said, are thrilled the store offers juices and smoothies made with fresh fruits and vegetables. The most popular juice is ‘Beet Me Up,’ a mixture of juices including, of course, beets.
Among the popular smoothies is the “Purple Poodle,” which is made with Acai, banana, and blueberry, and the “Green Isle,” made with granny smith apple, peach, and spinach.
All of the smoothies at Juice and Java are non-dairy and are made with green tea instead of milk, allowing consumers to save calories while gaining antioxidants.
Contrary to the assumption that the bottom line may be a new business owner’s biggest challenge, for Aloise the greatest challenge is maintaining a good balance between work and play, personally.
“I tend to dive in and forget to come up for air,” she admitted. At those times, Aloise may be found sipping one of the juice blends on her menu, the “Mellow Yellow,” which combines pineapple, orange and ginger root.
Like Juice and Java on Facebook at www.facebook.com/juicejava.
