Black-Owned Juice Bar Offering Entrepreneurship Training To The Youth Expands To A Second Location In Baltimore

A Baltimore, MD-based juice bar helping the youth will be expanding to its second location.

As AFROTECH™ previously reported, Rich Juice Bar opened its doors to the South Baltimore community in 2023. Co-founder Michael Battle had experienced health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and after adopting a healthier diet he saw improvements, reports The Baltimore Banner. Now, alongside his wife, Danielle, they are making it their life’s mission to make affordable and healthful food options such as juices, smoothies, and acai bowls accessible.

What’s more, Rich Juice Bar’s mission extends a hand to the youth, offering job opportunities as well as training in communication, entrepreneurship, banking, and financial advocacy.

“This social enterprise will provide wellness and economic vitality, health and delicious cold-pressed juices, nutrient rich smoothies, and plant-based food options,” a statement on the company’s Instagram read. “The Rich Juice Bar will blossom in the heart of Cherry Hill’s food desert. The juice bar will also serve as an educational hub, sharing information about healthy eating and alternative food choices with the community.”

Less than a year from Rich Juice Bar’s opening, which was held on May 27, 2023, it will now be expanding to a second location in Baltimore’s Harborplace Light Street Pavilion, The Baltimore Banner reports.

“I never thought in my wildest dreams I’d have a business in Harborplace,” Michael said, per the outlet.

For Danielle, the location is a full circle moment. She would often visit Harborplace as a tourist before committing time to study at Morgan State University. She looks forward to being “part of the people to bring light and life” to the Light Street Pavilion.

The couple are currently in the process of hiring a manager for the Light Street location and are hoping to attract the attention of students attending Digital Harbor High School to hire for jobs.

Additionally, they are planning to  host various events to energize the area and are aiming for a grand opening on May 27, 2024.

“Baltimore, the entire city, is yours, not just one corner,” Danielle expressed.