Smoothie Operators
Since the mid-20th century, Caribbeans in Queens have impacted the borough’s culinary scene, but it wasn’t until the late 1980s that some of the best-known dishes began gaining renown. Despite a reputation for large portions, Caribbean cuisine has always had a focus on health. The abundance of tropical produce that grows on the islands are mainstays in dishes and drinks, whether its mauby (mavi or mabi depending on the country), a popular bark-based drink, peanut punch, callaloo, leafy green and seasonal vegetable dish, or pumpkin soup. So it’s no surprise that modern Caribbeans are joining the borough’s juice scene.
Three juice bar owners take us through their own histories and philosophies on why juicing is so needed in their neighborhoods.
Dawn Kelly: The Nourish Spot
HOW I STARTED
I used to be department VP at a corporate job and my position was eliminated abruptly. I did a lot of praying. One day, I saw a news segment about a juice bar established by a rapper that intrigued me. I felt like the Lord was giving me a sign.
I found a spot on Guy Brewer … I walked around a corner and saw an old upholstery place and on top it said “DK Upholstery.” Well my initials are DK and I’m now in that exact site running the Nourish Spot. We officially opened in August 2017.
ON HEALTHY LIVING
My tagline is: You are what you put into yourself. That was what my late father told me, my brother and my sister every single day. Whatever food you put into your mouth, whatever books you read, whatever stuff you take in … that’s what comes out of you. If you eat healthy, you will be healthy.
ON COMMUNITY CHANGE
We’re the only spot that offers healthy food in about three miles. People come in to thank me for offering these options in the neighborhood because, they say, “All we have here is fast food.”
The name “Nourish” means that we not only nourish the body, but we also nourish the minds and souls, too. This is a family business. My logo was created by my son, Owen Duncan. My daughter, Jade Duncan, created the menu. It was completely self-financed. I didn’t take any bank loans.
Most of the people who work with me are high school students who came to me through partnerships that my daughter arranged with the Mayor’s C-Cap program, Pathways to Graduation and the Childcare Center of NY.
[One] Saturday it was so busy that I went to the bathroom and cried tears of joy because initially some people told me that people here wouldn’t support healthy food. And that morning there was so much support that it became overwhelming.
Ryan King: Kings Juice Bar
HOW I STARTED
I was born in Belize, raised in Bushwick. I used to be the catering supervisor for the presidents of the New York Stock Exchange and Futures Exchange. From their motivation and how they respected me as a young individual, [in] the early ’90s, I went into business on my own. I acquired this space in 2013. I originally opened a Caribbean restaurant and I changed it to a juice bar in 2016.
ON HEALTHY LIVING
We offer $2 smoothies, which encourages people to take care of their health. Yes, we have to make a profit, but at the same time, we need to educate consumers about how to love themselves and have a healthier diet.
The price of rent and everything has gone up, but we still have to give the consumer the chance to make a living and eat healthy. It can’t be just for the rich. We’re here to make a living, not a killing.
ON COMMUNITY CHANGE
One of our main challenges is to get the public to realize that eating healthy is economical. We’re dealing with fast food offering cheaper meals, but a juice can be a meal replacement. I don’t want people to come here [only] after they’ve been diagnosed with something.
The Nourish Spot | @thenourishspot
C-Cap program
Pathways to Graduation
Childcare Center of NY
Kings Juice Bar | @kingsjuicebar995
