Phoenix’s first location of a health food franchise has been open for about a year, and the business owner who first brought the concept to the city has no plans of slowing down.
Founded in 2014, Pure Green is now one of the fastest-growing juice bar franchises. The menu features smoothies, cold-pressed juices and juice shots, açaí bowls, oatmeal and toast.
We caught up with entrepreneur and Phoenix Pure Green owner Chas Mac to learn about how things have been going, his future plans and his advice for fellow business owners.
Q: How did you get into the industry? Did you always know you wanted to own a business?
A: Changes in my diet and nutrition from being a collegiate athlete gave me the passion currently in health and wellness. Moving to Phoenix from Chicago, I had no idea I would open this business. Shortly after moving here I decided to open up a business based on my passions. After pressing juices, making açaí bowls and smoothies daily in my own life, without the added fillers and sugars, opening a “Pure Green” was an obvious choice.
Q: How did you discover Pure Green? What resonated with you about the concept?
A: Upon moving from Chicago to Phoenix there was one Pure Green I visited. I recognized there were none here in Phoenix, as well as açaí/smoothie shops using all natural organic ingredients. The need to introduce a new way of clean eating was important to me. It’s been a beautiful experience bringing the first location here to Phoenix.
Q: How have things been going since you opened? Do you hope to open more locations in the future?
A: Arcadia, being the first location, recently celebrated the one-year anniversary this summer and is doing great! I’ve also recently taken over a second location in Tempe. Currently I have territory rights for the Scottsdale area, which I hope to begin plans to open up in the near future.
Q: In your opinion, what’s the most challenging part about opening a business?
A: Understanding that every day will bring new challenges, being adaptable is key. Having a plan including pre-marketing in place can prevent a lot of letdown after the grand opening. Afterwards, your plans should have a vision for staffing, guest relations, event scheduling and managing overall expectations.
Q: What do you think is the most rewarding part about opening a business?
A: Knowing it’s not for everyone and being able to overcome statistics of most failed businesses. Enriching the community and forming relationships through your business is absolutely a rewarding experience.
Q: Anything else you’d like people to know?
A: Our Arcadia location is really community driven, our location 4730 E Indian School Road in Phoenix. We host sunset community bike rides along the canal every Thursday at 6 p.m. Please follow us at @PureGreenArcadia on all social sites.
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