Juiced Up
Junga Juice tries again in the franchising jungle. Plus calling a taxi, waiting for Kohl's, changing tacos to burritos, flying to Phoenix, marketing to the Mimbres and more.
Spotlight on…
Junga Juice, the colorful juice and smoothie purveyor, has just opened its bright new Las Cruces store. At its pre-grand opening celebration last month, franchise owner Vicki Voss barely had a moment to say hello, busy as she was training her six new employees in the fine art of smoothie making.
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Las Cruces Junga Juice franchise
owner Vicki Voss holds up two freshly made smoothies, while a new
staffer works the blenders.
(Photo by Donna Clayton Lawder) |
"We made between 250 and 300 drinks that one afternoon! Oh, but they were so good," she says of her staff. "They were communicating with each other, saying, 'I need this' and 'Can you hand me that?' They did so well!"
Learning the ropes while the line of customers stretches out the door is a little easier when the recipes are iron-clad and the routines already scripted out. And it helps to have a bank of four top-notch VitaMix blenders at one's fingertips.
Voss says the Junga Juice system leaves nothing to guesswork. It's all been thought out, from the size of the store to the drink ingredients, from the top-of-the-line equipment to the playful decor. The jungle theme adds to the fun, and a menu full of options assures there's something for everyone; grown-ups and kids can happily drink side by side.
A large purple gorilla draws the eye to the brightly colored menu boards that clearly spell out drink ingredients and possible combinations. Smoothies are $4.25 for 24 ounces—or get your drink gorilla-sized to 32 ounces for another buck. Smoothies come with a free "jolt" of bee pollen, calcium, protein powder or some other healthy additive—more than a dozen options in all. The drinks have cute names, like Funky Monkey, King of the Junga, Citrus Downpour and Raspberry Roar.
And there are choices beyond smoothies, like fresh-squeezed orange and carrot juices, "premium" juices like papaya or guava passion fruit, as well as coffee drinks, teas and chais. And for those looking to safari down a more radical health road, there's always wheat grass.
Voss says Junga Juice sets its franchisees up with ingredient distributors, both out of the home base in Montana and in the stores' locales, to assure product quality and consistency.
Voss, who moved to Las Cruces from Maryland in 2003, is the sister of Daryl Voss, former owner of Southwest Abstract and Title in Las Cruces, who co-owns Junga with partner Joel Zarr. Daryl Voss and Zarr bought Junga Juice in 2004, after the Missoula, Montana-based company had grown to eight stores in five years through franchising, only to see it suffer losses thanks to poor franchise contracts, and dwindle down to just one store. Since taking the reins, the partners have built the company back up to nine stores in four states, with three stores owned by franchisees and six corporately owned. Zarr says the duo sees franchising—done right—as the company's ticket to success in a rapidly expanding market.
Shortly after her brother and Zarr bought the company, Vicki Voss went to work in Junga Juice's Missoula headquarters.
"I worked in financials and training," she says. "After a couple of years, I just decided I wanted my own store." Deciding where to open her franchise was easy, she says. "I wanted to come back to Las Cruces. I have family here, and you can't beat the weather!"
She says she loves working with and serving the public, and is proud of the product she sells. "It's a wonderful product," she says. "I've tried the products of several competitors, and these are just the best. They have the recipes nailed down."
Voss says she finds the Junga Juice smoothie flavors to have a wide variety, from tangy to sweet, and agrees a customer could make many visits and have many wonderful taste experiences before landing on their favorite. Substantial in size and loaded with healthful ingredients, the drinks can easily serve as a meal substitute, as well as a treat or afternoon pick-me-up.
Voss says her own favorite flavor is Carrot Fusion, a combination of carrot juice, vanilla yogurt and banana.
"It's so rich and so different," she says, "and if you add just a little cinnamon, it actually tastes like carrot cake!"
Junga Juice, 3961 E. Lohman Ave., Suite 21, Las Cruces. Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Closed Sun. 521-8888.
Bigger and Better
Syzygy Tileworks showroom manager Kathleen Dallin reports that members of the 13-year-old hand-made tile company at 106 N. Bullard St. in Silver City will travel to Chicago this month to participate in the "Coverings" industry trade show, a significant and sizable event in the world of custom tiling. Syzygy will introduce eight new glazes, 10 new 1x1 mosaic blends and several design concept boards, from which clients can choose custom tiling products for residential or commercial use. 388-5472, www.syzygytile.com.
Mouse of All Trades in Silver City, a division of DOCUmation, Inc., has expanded its line of services, adding large-format black-and-white copying and large-format laminating. Manager Kim Dibble says this is the first time in the business' history that it has been able to offer larger than 11x17-inch copying and laminating. Dibble adds that a new line of premium papers up to 36x48 inches and non-erasable vellum and Mylar, specific to the copying of architectural and engineering drawings, are in stock. Dibble says, "We are thrilled to finally have the capability to offer large-format copying and are pleased with the response in addition to new customers. We are offering the new services at a competitive price to keep business local and in most instances can copy large format while you wait." Along with the new services, "Mouse" has added new staff member Gina Newman, who recently relocated to Silver City from Minnesota. 1621 Silver Heights Blvd., 388-1884, www.mation.com.
LaserShield Systems, Inc., a home-security-system company, will expand operations at its Las Cruces location by adding a customer support center. The company will also build a new distribution center at an industrial park on the city's west side, relocating its distribution operations from Carlsbad, Calif., to add over 100 new jobs to the area. The company currently employs 31 people in Las Cruces, and plans to double in size by next year.
Eatery News
Don Juan's Burritos has taken over the drive-thru kiosk on Hwy. 180 by Corbin Street in Silver City that previously was occupied by Miko's Tacos. "Don Juan" himself, successful Mexican food entrepreneur Juan Tellez, owns the Don Juan's restaurant on Hurley Avenue in Bayard and has been operating a satellite burritos-to-go business for five years in the front parking lot of the Ford dealership. Tellez says that outlet will still be available for his many loyal customers who want really quick, drive-by service. Tellez' wife owns the Don Juan's Mexican restaurant on Mountain View Road in Silver City, which soon will change its name. Don Juan's newly repainted bright yellow kiosk operates Mon.-Sat., and has expanded its hours to 6 a.m.-3 p.m. 538-5440.
Barb Fila, owner and Head Baker Babe of Bad Ass Bakery, says she will be making lunch deliveries in Silver City, starting later this month. Fila is teaming up with Vivian Savitt, who got the idea from her sister who runs a similar business in Texas. "We're currently doing market research to see what kinds of things people want, and our theme will be fresh, delicious and organic whenever possible," Fila says of her door-to-door wares. Regular ham-and-cheese sandwiches are on the roster, as are more exotic items like quiche and artichoke-and-rice salads, Fila says. Look for menus soon. The plan now is to make delivery rounds between 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays. 534-3388.
Diane Holloway, owner of Diane's Restaurant in Silver City, confirms that she is doing some of the baking for her Bullard Street restaurant across the street at her soon-to-open cafe at The Hub. She's hoping to open her new doors to the public this month after she jumps through the final hoops with the health and safety powers-that-be.
Perhaps marking the change to daylight saving time, Silver City's own "Pasta Nazi" Jake Politte checked in to say the hours and business operations at Spaghetti Western have changed again "in response to popular demand." The market and deli are open Tues-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., with comestibles and boxed dinners to go. Lunch is served Tues-Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., with counter pick-up only on Wednesdays. And family-style prix fixe dinners are now served every Saturday, 6:30 p.m., by reservation only. 106 N. Texas St., 534-4999.
Going, going, gone
After 41 years, the Copper Crest Country Club in Silver City has closed its doors. The club had experienced financial difficulties for a number of years due to declining revenue and the facility's mounting operational costs. Over the past 25 years, membership at the club had dwindled from 300 to 150—about three-quarters of the original membership who formed the club in 1966 are now deceased—and aggressive efforts to increase membership fell flat. The closing does not affect the separately managed golf course.
Fantastic Finds on Bullard Street in downtown Silver City has closed. A sign in the window last month said they've "Gone Fishin'," and thanked customers for years of business.
If you're looking for fun and funky clothes on the cheap, head to The Loft, upstairs in the antiques mall at the corner of Texas and Broadway in Silver City—before it's gone. Owner Carla DeMarco says that as of May 30, she'll be closing down the vintage and discount clothing business, one of two shops that she owns. "I'm a little too busy having both shops open, that is a factor," DeMarco says. Her other store, Decades, in the Marketplace at The Hub Plaza on Bullard Street, will remain open, selling "vintage, oriental and ethnic-hippie clothes."
Itzel's jewelry and home furnishing store in the Old Mesilla Plaza has closed its doors.
New in Town
Taxi-i-i-i-i-i-i! That's the big news in transportation around Grant County these days, as Gopher Taxi & Courier has begun taxi, errand and courier service in Silver City. Abe Villarreal, who co-owns the business with Shannon and James Koons of All Glass MD, says response has been excellent. "I'm giving a ride right now as I talk to you," said Villarreal. The business has taken fares as far as Reserve and Lordsburg, and will run errands, pick up medications and groceries and deliver food to your door from restaurants without a delivery service. Taxi fare around town costs $2 for pick-up plus $1.50 a mile. Courier service costs depend on the size of the pick-up and how far it needs to travel. Hours of service run 7 a.m.-midnight Sun.-Wed., and 7 a.m.-2 a.m. Thurs.-Sat. 534-8294, 534-TAXI.
Curt Hardcastle has opened Hardcastle Custom Machine in Silver City, restoring single-shot antique rifles from the Civil War era to the 1890s. Hardcastle has been a restorer of antique firearms for over 20 years, and can restore not only the luster to antique rifles, but full shooting capability as well. 574-8825.
Carol and Ron Rosenau are operating Silver Servings, a nutrition club, at 501 N. Bullard Street in Silver City, in the space formerly occupied by Yada Yada Yarn (which moved up the street into the space with Art & Conversation). Ron Rosenau says potential customers can visit the club the first day for free, and "if they choose to join, they pay a membership fee of $4 per day," for which they can have one or two HerbalLife shakes and herbal teas. The shop has board games available for customers who want to hang out and drink their shakes. 313-9459.
The latest addition to Silver City's Yankie-Texas gallery scene is Yello on Yankie, with a grand opening April 14. (Yes, that's right, no "w" in "Yello.") The gallery features contemporary fiber art and will be open Weds.-Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 108 W. Yankie, 534-4968.
Kirk Martinez has opened the Kirk Martinez Masters Percussion Studio in Silver City. Martinez has applied the famous Suzuki Method of music instruction to five percussion instruments, from xylophones to snare drums, which he teaches. 590-6283.
Timothy Cusack has opened Ritual Body Art, a tattoo studio, at 406 N. Bullard St. in Silver City. Cusack, who moved to town two years ago and worked for Rebel X Tattoos before opening his own shop, has 15 years experience painting with the needles. 313-6238.
The former radio team of Gwyneth Jones and Lori Ford now operates Broad Mind Media, a public-relations consulting firm that produces television shows and occasional specials. Their "Morning Show" is broadcast live and pre-recorded via Community Access Television. www.themorningshowlive.com.
The Bel Canto Theatre Cafe has opened at 300 S. Diamond St. in Deming, with a full sit-down cafe in the front selling hot and cold beverages, fresh baked goods and breakfast burritos, and the theater in the rear, featuring live music and theatrical performances. (See this month's story, "Break a Leg.")
Out on the Mimbres, Frankie Benoist has just opened Valle Mimbres Market, a store selling local products, natural and organic foods and organic produce at the junction of Hwy. 35 and Hwy. 152, in the space formerly occupied by La Tienda market. The store is open four days a week: Mondays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays, 2-7 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 536-9359.
Southwest Granicrete has opened its doors at 300 N. Telshor in Las Cruces, as a training and distribution center for Granicrete International products, which include decorative concrete and wholesale products. www.granicrete.com.
FastSigns has opened a Las Cruces location on Lohman Avenue in Mountain Vista Plaza, right next door to the new Junga Juice. The company produces all kinds of signs, including banners, window and vehicle graphics and exterior signage. www.fastsigns.com.
Health News
MECA Therapies, a Las Cruces-based audiologic services and speech and occupational therapies company, hopes to open by late spring to early summer in their new 13,000-square foot building currently under construction on Hillrise Circle in Las Cruces. The company, owned by the husband-wife team of Jeff Flores and Roberta Martinez-Flores, began in 1998 with a contract for speech and language services with the Deming school system, and has gone from four employees to more than 80 working in seven New Mexico counties, with branches in Roswell and Clovis.
The New Mexico Department of Health has opened a new immunization center in Las Cruces at the West Las Cruces Public Health Office, west of the Doña Ana County Detention Center on Cooper Loop. Immunizations will be offered at the new location and no longer at the Public Health Office on Solano Drive. www.healthynm.org, 523-7335.
Coming Soon
Las Crucens' dreams of a Kohl's department store will become reality by this fall. The company is working on a site permit for a North Main Street location. Kohl's headquarters says the chain holds its fall openings in October. Trick or treat!
Ch-ch-changes!
Javalina Coffee House is the new name for the coffeehouse at the corner of Broadway and Bullard Street in Silver City. Polly Cook, who has been managing Dan & John's Rejuvenations for the past year, has bought the place and is making it her own. Cook says she's "keeping what works," and customers can expect the same great coffees, teas and treats. Look for a general sprucing up, some interior improvements and increased community involvement. Cheers, Polly! 388-1350.
Texas-New Mexico Power's downtown office on Broadway in Silver City closed last month, following the company's merger with PNM, leaving a few customers looking to pay their bills in person standing on the sidewalk, scratching their heads. A sign directed them to pay at PNM's office on Hudson Street (Hwy. 90). Now the paperwork has caught up with the merger, and customers receive unified bills, which can be paid in person at the Hudson Street office.
Phoenix or bust! Starting May 1, Great Lakes Aviation will provide service for Clovis and Silver City under a two-year federally subsidized air-service deal, with Silver getting 12 non-stop weekly roundtrips to Phoenix. The change means the airline will eventually stop direct trips to Albuquerque, a route often used by businesspersons and government officials looking to get to Santa Fe, although local officials are trying to stave off that switch.
Gallery 400, housed inside The Gila House Hotel, now has regular open gallery hours, since the addition of artist Mary A. Gravelle to its staff. Gallery hours are Tues.-Sat., 1-6 p.m., www.gilahouse.com, 313-7015.
Mergers
Las Cruces-based ClientLogic and Sitel Corp. have merged under the Sitel brand, continuing to provide customer service for DirecTV. With clients and partners in 28 countries around the world, the company employs nearly 500 Las Crucens, with a local office on Telshor Boulevard.
Casey Luria has closed Bloomin' Gourdworks, her retail gallery on Texas Street in Silver City, and has moved to the upstairs Yankie Street Studios. This will be a working studio, with Luria offering works for sale during gallery special events. Her art is represented in other galleries in Arizona.
Happy Anniversary
Ruth Ann Poppe celebrates two years of ownership of Dos Baristas Coffee Gallery, at the corner of Yankie and Texas Street in Silver City, this month.
On the Move
A Better Chimney has moved across the highway from its old location to 1880 E. Hwy. 180, at the corner of Memory Lane, into space vacated by the former Iron Horse Corral motorcycle retailer that quietly rumbled off into the sunset months ago. Owner James Fleming says the store, selling all manner of stoves and wood pellets, has more space in the new location.
Seeking new, larger offices, ERA Sellers, Buyers and Associates, a real estate firm, has relocated from Lohman Avenue to 1115 Commerce Drive in Las Cruces. The company and ERA Pargin Realty operate three offices in El Paso, three in Albuquerque and the one in Las Cruces.
MainStreet Money
Phelps Dodge awarded the Silver City MainStreet Project with a $5,000 grant to go toward operating costs for the organization's historic Silco Theater at 311 N. Bullard Street.
Honors
Aegin Place, the live-in companion services company that relocated to Las Cruces last year, has been listed in Entrepreneur Magazine's Top 500 Franchises directory for its impressive growth. www.aeginplace.com, (866) 659-1834.
Steinborn GMAC real estate in Las Cruces received 11 awards at the GMAC Real Estate national meeting in Hollywood, Fla., recently, including first place for a marketing campaign, overall company awards and "top producer" awards for seven of its agents.
The Curious Kumquat at 111 E. College Ave. in downtown Silver City was named "Business of the Year" by the Silver City MainStreet Project at its annual awards dinner at the Silco Theater last month. Engineers Inc. was presented with MainStreet Project's Special Service Award for assisting with the downtown streetlights project, and the Downtown Improvement Award went to the Hub Plaza for the revitalization of the entire former Clifton Chevrolet block (see the November 2006 Desert Exposure). Desert Exposure's own Lisa Fryxell was awarded Volunteer of the Year for organizing the "Chair-ity Auction" to benefit MainStreet Project, and for her work to help restore the historic Silco Theater. Recognition also went to the Silver City/Grant County Chamber of Commerce for their work in producing the Fourth of July parade, and Isaac's Bar and Grill, 200 N. Bullard, and Syzygy Tileworks, 106 N. Bullard, won awards for building rehabilitation. Nancy's Silver Cafe won the Cornerstone Business of the Year Award, acknowledging the Mexican-American restaurant's 30 years of operation.
Business Exposure is a regular monthly column that focuses on local business from all angles. Each issue spotlights a featured Southwest New Mexico business, and updates ongoing business items of interest. Feel free to suggest business topics for the column, and let us know about your own business' changes and newsworthy events.
Email donna@desertexposure.com.