Even though Nate Watermeier's store KCJuice has been open two months, he estimates that "only about .0001 percent of Kansas City even know that I'm here."
That's about to change. The smoothie store, located in the new building on Pennsylvania east of the Thai Place/Californos/Murray's block, is gearing up for the spring and summer, the traditionally strong smoothie months. In addition, customer retention has been high since Watermeier's prices are cheap. "Ridiculously cheap," as he says. Most of the smoothies cost around $4 for 24 ounces and that includes one free nutrient. None cost more than $5.
Watermeier is originally from Nebraska but came to Kansas City to attend UMKC. He then moved to Boston where he worked at Jamba Juice and developed a love for smoothies. "I would never bash a place I worked for, but the longer I was there [at Jamba Juice] the more I thought, I could do this and do it better."
"I picked Westport because there is no places around here selling
juice... and like seven or eight in Leawood. I'm the only one around
here." To appeal his audience, Watermeier uses all non-fat yogurts and
low-fat sherbets. Most of his produce is local depending on the season,
and while all of the choices are vegetarian, Watermeier can also make a
vegan version of each. "I have organic powder smoothies, organic soy
milk, all the produce... I can make whatever you want. If they come in
and tell me what they like or want, I'll make it."
the menu include the Big Kahuna, a pina colada-inspired choice with
pineapple juice, coconut, honey, bananas and strawberries; the Screamer,
with watermelon juice, yogurt, raspberry sherbet, raspberries and
strawberries; the Frostbit, with cranberry and orange juice, orange
sherbet, cranberries and strawberries; and more than two dozen other
options.
For people who want something cheaper and quicker,
Watermeier takes the extra smoothie from each blender and puts it in
cups, creating layers of different flavors. These "kamikazes" sell for $2.75 for 16 ounces.
KCJuice is located at 4141 Pennsylvania;
816-561-0796. Currently it's open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. but as
the weather gets warmer around May, those hours will increase
to 10 p.m. -- and maybe later if Watermeier can figure out how pooch problem. "I'd be open ever longer than that but I have dogs."
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Had lunch in Westport and out of curiosity I walked into KC Juice to give it a try... I'm so glad I did. The ingredients are incredibly fresh. Healthy, Delicious, and Recession-Friendly prices. I'll be back. (I recommend the "Brain Freeze" - it's very, very good!)
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