Nékter Juice Bar is advancing its industry-leading, Farm-to-Cup initiative this summer by partnering with farmers across the country to provide farm fresh watermelons for two seasonal menu specials, the Watermelon Cooler Juice and the Watermelon Berry Smoothie. The national sourcing program, announced earlier this year, aligns Nékter Juice Bar with several leading independent farmers and specialty distributors to procure only the freshest and most local produce for its more than 115 restaurants throughout the United States. Hand-picked at peak ripeness for best flavor and nutritional content, the watermelons are sourced from several regional farms, including: Bellinger Farms in Hermiston, Oregon; Van Groningen & Sons in Manteca, California; Borders Melon in Edinburg, Texas; Melon 1 in Barnwell, South Carolina; and, Sayre Baldwin Farms in Bridgeville, Delaware.
The two seasonal specials, which will be available at participating restaurants through Labor Day, include Nékter’s fan-favorite Watermelon Cooler Juice, back by popular demand and featuring fresh watermelon and a touch of cooling fresh mint. The new Watermelon Berry Smoothie is a light and refreshing blend of juicy watermelon, sweet strawberries, lime, chia seeds, and a touch of agave nectar.
“Watermelon is summer’s essential fruit with its high water content to keep us hydrated and multiple antioxidants that help aid muscle recovery and reduce bloat,” said Steve Schulze, co-founder and CEO, Nékter Juice Bar. “But many of those nutritional benefits can be diminished if the fruit isn’t at its peak freshness. Our new Farm-to-Cup program ensures that our watermelon – in fact, all of our produce – is the best and freshest that it can be.”
Founded in 2010, Southern California-based Nékter Juice Bar is the category leader and pioneer of the modern juice bar experience with a 100 percent, freshly made, clean, nutrient-rich and delicious menu of juices, smoothies, acai bowls, and healthy snacks. With an unwavering commitment to ingredient transparency, authenticity and innovation, Nékter Juice Bar is rooted in the fundamental philosophy that “healthy” can taste great, be easily accessible, and be affordable too. Now with more than 115 restaurants in the United States, and 150 more in development, Nékter plans to grow to 425 company- and franchise-owned restaurants by 2020. Recent awards include: the 2018 “Best Buy in Franchising” Zor award from Franchise Times; the 2016 “Hot Concept” award and the 2017 “Next 20” Brand to Watch by Nation’s Restaurant News; #217 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500; and #334 on Inc. Magazine’s 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Company List. Nékter continues to seek entrepreneurs who want to bring The Nékter Life to more communities around the United States and beyond. For more information, please visit www.nekterjuicebar.com or https://nekterjuicebar.com/franchise.