By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Jamar Luster wants the next version of Ripe Life Juice Co. to offer more than healthy smoothies and drinks. He wants to create a healthy gathering space, too.
The downtown smoothie and juice bar is changing locations, moving about two blocks north into the former Rockford Roasting Co. at 206 N. Main St., he said Wednesday.
Luster, the founder and owner of the business, plans to open in the new location in November.
“That’s the goal is to create more of a community space,” he said. “We already kind of had that at the first location. It was that kind of environment where people would come and sit down and talk and hang out. It just wasn’t enough space.
“I just want to compound on that energy that we already had going and spread it out a little bit more.”
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Ripe Life Juice Co. opened inside Stewart Square, 308 W. State St., in summer 2021. Its last day of operation in that space was Friday.
The two-floor layout at 206 N. Main St. will give Luster the opportunity to evolve his business. He plans to have late-night weekend hours when he reopens, and incorporate jazz or other live music and comedy nights.
The goal is to create a laid-back environment for adults that isn’t centered around alcohol or partying, he said.
“A late-night vibe but with healthy options,” Luster said. “I don’t know how to explain what we’re trying to do, because I don’t think stuff like that exists here in Rockford or in a lot of places.”
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Rockford Roasting Co. had operated out of the space that Ripe Life will take over from October 2014 until this March, when it decided to consolidate its two cafes at 416 S. Main St., under the Embassy Suites Rockford Riverfront Hotel.
Luster worked in manufacturing until the coronavirus pandemic led to shutdowns at the company where he was employed. He started sharing healthy juice recipes from home during the pandemic and pivoted to invest in himself and open Ripe Life in the former Bella Luna Bakery.
The fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies never include added sugar. He also offers other specialty and seasonal items, such as a vegan chili in colder weather months.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas