New Business: Juice Garden Gets Fresh

Initially targeted to open in August, Juice Garden Cafe, which is located right next to Piggly Wiggly at the corner of Janesville Road and Racine Avenue, has only heightened customers' interest upon its 'quiet opening' on Oct. 31.

Specializing in juices, smoothies, soups and salads, the focus of the menu is fresh ingredients. Made-to-order drinks and sandwiches are available, often using ingredients that are grown on site.

Wheat grass, an ingredient in many of the juices and smoothies, is featured in part as a decoration as well as recipe item growing in flats near the entrance of the restaurant. Owner Amy Hoeppner said they had initially gotten the greens from Growing Power in Milwaukee, which is an urban gardening co-op, but will eventually grow their own on site.

Choices in juices include blends of cherry, apple, lemon and spinach and other combinations that may at first have the less-accustomed wrinkling their nose. However, the result is a refreshing and filling drink because the nutritional value is that much higher, Hoeppner said.

She said the restaurant came as part of her passion for juicing.

"I've always loved it, and this is the result of all that craziness," she said.

Sandwich and salad prices also are more than reasonably priced, with the average cost of a sandwich falling around $4, and salads that you build at $3.75 or $6. Cookies baked fresh from East Side Ovens are only $1.

Hoeppner said they will also help feed your group by assembling sandwich or salads ahead of time for pick up.

Breakfast items are available, as well as hot beverages like coffee or teas, and wi-fi is featured if you want to work while you eat.

A website (www.juice-garden-cafe.com) is nearing completion, but their Facebook page is ready to roll. Juice Garden is open Monday - Friday 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.