Two health-conscious Steveston High graduates are putting their mark on Steveston Village’s market transformation.
Ryan Slater and Zach Berman, of the 2004 Packers class, have opened their fifth Juice Truck location at 12151 First Avenue in the village.
Don’t let the name fool you. While Juice Truck initially started as a proper truck serving pure, raw juices and healthy snacks, it has blossomed into a brick and mortar operation across the Lower Mainland.
Slater told the Richmond News that the juicing duo, who are long-time friends, wanted to open in the village for some time.
“There was no cold-pressed juice in Richmond at the time. We thought Stevetson would be the best place. We wanted to create a community side to the business and here we’re attached to the yoga studio. So we can connect to them,” said Slater.
Part of the appeal of the village, he said, is the younger families who have found an enclave in the city.
“With more condos, it’s brought in more young families and they want more amenities and services,” said Slater.
Berman himself has a young family. The two hope to connect to the burgeoning mom population.
“I think the best way to describe it is, we’re a business looking for community-based businesses and Steveston allows that with such a younger population. It has a group of individuals who have moved into the area that allows us to reach out to,” added Slater.
Juice Truck aims to provide a “laid back vibe,” said Slater.
“Part of the experience we had in Vancouver is a lot of people hanging out. It’s not run in and run out; people like to hang out here,” he said.
Slater and Berman once travelled together to Nepal and India, where juice stands were ubiquitous. That trip inspired them, said Slater.
“People started conversations over juice. Much like a Starbucks, these juice stands were the same thing. It intrigued us,” he added.
Juice Truck offers cleanse programs and also food options, such as salads and burrito bowls.
