The reviews are in, and they are good! In keeping with the growing trend of juice bars springing up across the country, customers are lining up to sample — and re-sample — the range of choices at Arlee’s Raw Blends.

Opened in April at 246 Nassau Street, the new juice bar is owned by the brother and sister team of Brian Moore and Paula Taylor. Their establishment, with its emphasis on cold-pressed juice and natural and organic ingredients, is special, they maintain.

Their background includes spending summers at their grandparents farm (owned by the family for three generations) in Georgia, and a familiarity and love of fresh produce and healthy eating.

“I’ve always been on the road to health and wellness, and my journey led me here,” explains Ms. Taylor. “The business evolved, and we grew into this. There is a movement toward healthy eating today, and we see that more and more people want to eat healthy.”

Natural Juices

The juice bar is named for Mr. Moore’s wife, Arlee, who was the inspiration for the business, says Mr. Moore. “My wife was looking for natural juices, and she felt there was a need here. In addition to spending time at the family farm, I have a food background. I went to the University of Maryland, and got a degree in business administration, with a focus on food and beverages.

“I started making the juices, with different blends, and we took them to farmer’s markets, including the Trenton Farmer’s Market, for three years. We developed a big following, and we still take the juices to Trenton and the Pennington Farmer’s Market.”

Having their own place and storefront in Princeton was a goal for Ms. Taylor and Mr. Moore, who grew up in the area. When the location of the former Allstate Insurance office became available, they decided to take the plunge. It required a total renovation of the space, and they — and the customers — could not be happier with the outcome.

“We wanted a special clean look and decor,” points out Ms. Taylor. “Princeton architect Joshua Zinder did it for us, and we love it. We also had the talents of local builder and designer Don Menke, who had worked with Michael Graves. He crafted a unique design, incorporating special wood from a tree that had come down during the Sandy storm a few years ago.”

Using and re-using products is an important part of their philosophy,” continues Ms. Taylor. “We recycle, and everything is biodegradable or compostable. All the juices are in glass bottles — not plastic, and we have no waste. We even recycle the pulp from the juice into our crackers. We are a green store, and we clean with plant-based cleaners.”

In addition, what further sets Arlee’s Raw Blends apart is its cold-press method, explain the owners. The juices are cold-pressed daily from 100 percent organic fruits and vegetables and immediately glass-bottled.

Locally-Grown

And, as they point out, “We get our fruits and vegetables locally as much as possible. Using locally-grown 100 percent organic produce means a fresher and tastier juice. It’s better for our economy and better for the environment.

“Cold-pressing preserves all the nutrients, and ensures that the juice is in its healthiest and cleanest form. This process enables the extracted essential enzymes and micro-nutrients in the juice to be bottled and maintain their goodness for up to 72 hours. All our juices are very good for you.”

Juices are available in more than two dozen blends, including lemon, lime, beet, pineapple, watermelon, apple, carrot, turmeric, chia, and three kale blends. Also offered are raw cacao blend, cold brew latte, cold brew coffee, cafe mocha blend, and a variety of almond blends.

Super Food smoothies are also popular, and include added fiber ingredients, such as maca, hemp seeds, spiralina, acai, coconut oil, and made in-house almond butter, which can be added to any of the juices.

Among the juices, kale is the number one seller, notes Ms. Taylor. “Kale is a signature item for us. Even teenage boys love it! Everyone should start their day with kale! It’s a real energy-booster, and it stays with you all day long.

“Not everyone realizes how beneficial the juices can be for your health,” she continues. “For example, turmeric can boost immunity and clean out the sinuses, and beet juice is good for endurance.”

Dehydrated Items

Another major part of the store’s business is its selection of cleanses, she adds. “We specialize in cleansing. It takes the toxins out of the body and gives you energy. It’s very important, however, that when people cleanse, they make sure that they use organic products. We have one-day, three-day, and six-day cleanses, during which time only the juices are consumed.”

In addition to the juices, Arlee’s Raw Blends offers fresh cut fruit, salads, veggie chips and crackers, mixed nuts, and a variety of dehydrated items, such as watermelon jerky, berries, and other fruits and vegetables.

“We even have dehydrated salads that you can take to the beach,’ says Ms. Taylor. “It’s dehydrated kale, carrots, celery, raisins, and lemon herb vinaigrette. Even when it is dehydrated, you still get all the nutrients.”

A variety of fresh salads is also available, as are dips, kale pesto, raw cacao truffles, and a big favorite — the vanilla bean cheesecake.

Ms. Taylor and Mr. Moore are delighted with the enthusiastic response from customers of all backgrounds and ages (“kids to retirees”! We have two flavors created with kids in mind: the ‘Kale Refresher’ and the ‘Apple Refresher’). People come in throughout the day for their favorite juice “pick-me-up”.

“It’s mostly ‘grab-and-go’,” points out Mr. Moore, “but we do have seats for 10, if people want to stay. We’re a destination place for most of the customers, and we really like this area, this part of Nassau Street. It’s a real neighborhood here.”

Cooler Bag

“Many of our customers are knowledgeable about the juices and know what they want,” adds Ms. Taylor. “But we do get a lot of newcomers too, and we enjoy educating them, and they enjoy learning about the cold-pressed juice. We love to share information. And we find when they are new to it, people like the juice right away. I’ve even converted people who say they’ve never eaten a vegetable in their life!”

Juices are available in 8-ounce bottles for $6 and 16-ounce bottles for $10. Specials are offered in which customers can pre-pay for 16, 24, 32, or 64 bottles, and receive a savings of up to $64. If they buy six or more bottles, they will receive a free cooler bag.

“I love meeting all the people and educating the community,” says Ms. Taylor. “I’m here every day, and we look forward to seeing the business grow, creating a dialogue, and becoming a real part of the community. There is definitely a juice movement going on. We are a special juice bar, and now New Jersey is catching up with California and New York.”

Arlee’s Raw Blends also offers books on healthy eating and juicing. Hours are Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free delivery is available locally between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., with a $40 minimum. (609) 580-1899. Website: arleesrawblends.com.