Health met heritage Saturday morning as The Juice Joint officially opened its doors at the Crosstown Concourse. The grand opening drew in a crowd eager to taste fresh, cold-pressed juices, smoothies and acai bowls — all served with a side of soulful flair.
The brainchild behind the venture is Darious Robertson, a Memphis-based playwright and actor whose passion for juicing began during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It started as a personal lifestyle change,” Robertson explained. “That love for juices sparked something greater — and now it’s a business rooted in both wellness and community.”
Before launching the Concourse location, Robertson tried out the concept with a successful test kitchen on Cooper Avenue. “That was the trial run,” he said. “The response was overwhelming, and it confirmed that Memphis was ready for something fresh — literally and culturally,” he said.
Choosing the Crosstown Concourse as the home for his flagship location was no coincidence. The revitalized vertical urban village is known for its focus on community, wellness, and the arts — values that mirror Robertson’s mission.
The name The Juice Joint is a creative twist on the classic “juke joint,” a nod to the historical Southern spaces that brought people together through music and community. “The Juice Joint is a play-off of a juke joint,” said Robertson. “I want this to be a place where everyone can feel health-conscious and happy with what they’re consuming.”
The Juice Joint’s menu includes a vibrant selection of cold-pressed juices, nutrient-packed smoothies and antioxidant-rich acai bowls, designed to nourish the body and lift the spirit. With its retro aesthetic and upbeat energy, the space reflects Robertson’s vision of a wellness destination that feels both familiar and new.
But the offerings don’t stop there. The Juice Joint also stocks healthy snacks such as probiotic sodas and other grab-and-go items — perfect for visitors on the move. The retail section features branded T-shirts, tote bags and lifestyle merchandise, allowing customers to take a piece of the brand’s positive energy with them.
The grand opening was filled with joy, music and a long line of supporters — many of them family and close friends. “He’s been working on this for so long, and to see this come into fruition, I couldn’t be more proud,” said Latisha Robertson, Darious’ mother.
Barbara Sharp, a longtime family friend, echoed the sentiment: “We’re so happy for him. He’s always been a man of God and doing great things. We had to come and support.”
Looking to the future, Robertson has big plans. “I want The Juice Joint to have multiple locations eventually,” he shared. “In the meantime, I plan to create initiatives in my community focused on how to be healthy — and hopefully inspire others to want to open their own juice spot.”
Today, The Juice Joint employs a team of six staff members, many of whom are local hires. Robertson says creating jobs and opportunities in the community was just as important as creating smoothies and juices.
As Memphis continues to grow its health and wellness scene, The Juice Joint is poised to become more than just a juice bar. It’s a cultural experience rooted in flavor, community and purpose.
