Mijo Alanis got his first job, as a restaurant dishwasher when he was 15 — by the time he was 18, he was managing the restaurant.
Always one to give every customer his all, he did just that when Pam Vivio walked into the restaurant one minute before closing.
Vivio eventually married Alanis, and together the pair created Beyond Juicery + Eatery, serving up healthy foods in a fast-casual environment. While business is booming, the focus on healthy, fresh, quality foods and above-and-beyond customer service remains steadfast. Below, Vivio chats about the company and how it contributes to its customers’ healthy lifestyle.
CITY LIFESTYLE BIRMINGHAM: TELL ME ABOUT BEYOND JUICE:
PAM VIVIO: My husband, Mijo, and I started the company in 2005. We saw a need for a healthy fast-casual food concept in Michigan and decided to give it a shot. I was traveling to different cities as a consultant and I saw healthy restaurants popping up in other areas, but we didn't have many in Michigan at that time. We targeted the Birmingham area for our first location because it is a high foot-traffic area nestled in a great community. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the community that has supported us from the start.
CLB: HOW IS BEYOND JUICE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SMOOTHIE CAFES?
PV: We believe Beyond Juice stands out because we use fresh ingredients, and offer many menu options other than smoothies, such as wraps, juice and salads. We also cater to those with special dietary needs, with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
CLB: HOW MANY STORES ARE THERE?
PV: We currently have 37 stores open in Michigan and Ohio. Next year we expect to grow to 50-plus stores with further expansion into Florida.
CLB: HOW DO YOU SUGGEST CUSTOMERS START THE YEAR OFF WITH A HEALTHY SLATE?
PV: We work with a certified nutrition coach and certified personal trainer to develop recipes that are healthy and beneficial to our customers.
We offer bundles that help our customers reach their health goals. Our Cleanse begins with a wellness shot followed by a mix of juices made from organic fruits and vegetables. The Cleanse is full of color — like the saying, ‘eat the rainbow.’ The goal is to help your digestive system rest, flush out toxins and detox your body.
Our Reboot is a great prep for the Cleanse and is meant to power up your system with clean, plant-based nutrition for the day, helping you shift toward a healthier, more sustainable approach to food. Similar to the Cleanse, the Reboot is supplemented with vegan Superfood packets. It feeds your body with whole ingredients and real food that leaves you feeling full and energized while giving it a break from the Standard American Diet (S.A.D).
The Immune Booster Bundle is new this year, made up of some of our signature organic bottled juices and wellness shots. Building immunity can take time, so our nutrition specialist created a five-day bundle packed with vitamin C and zinc — great for a boost for the flu season, weather change, travel or general health.
CLB: WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR MOST POPULAR SMOOTHIES?
PV: The Dimmer is a customer favorite. It’s a green smoothie blending banana, pineapple, mango, spinach and kale.