In the heart of downtown Barrington, you will find Pink Flamingos, Dragon Fruit, and a delicious way to get your daily recommended serving of fruits and veggies.
Husband-and-wife team Brandon and Loren Jaynes opened Nékter Juice Bar in March 2022. In this airy, open space, you can hear blenders whirring and see folks lined up for fresh creations. Back in the kitchen, cashews are soaked daily for plant-based milk while the team ferries fresh produce from an enormous walk-in cooler to prepare its fresh concoctions.
What makes Nékter different? A passionate commitment to healthy, nutritious food. Nékter uses up to three pounds of fresh produce in every smoothie. “This is real food, not fast food. We have no mixes. We are peeling, dicing, and slicing to order. Everything is customizable,” Loren says.
Brandon and Loren stress that fresh, healthy food takes time, but is worth the wait. However, they are mindful of customers’ time, especially with three young boys of their own.
The Nékter app allows for advance orders at a convenient pedestrian pick-up window where you might be greeted by their oldest son. “Our 12-year old loves to be part of it,” Brandon says.
Nékter has been welcomed by and impressed by Barrington. That goodwill is reciprocated with Nékter’s commitment to the community, including fundraising activities and “give-back” days.
“Barrington loves sneaking grains in their drinks. We all want our families to be healthy. But we still have menu transparency,” Loren says. No hidden ingredients or added sugars here, although Loren does confess to adding extra blueberries and cayenne pepper to her favorite celery juice. Brandon enjoys the cleverly named Popeye’s Acai, made with spinach (of course) among other fresh ingredients.
One young customer proudly told me her favorite drink was “Mango Delight”, a colorful concoction made with mango, pineapple, homemade cashew milk, and agave nectar.
Find your favorite and learn more at NekterJuiceBar.com or visit 125 S. Hough Street in Barrington. The Jayne family is opening a second Nékter location in downtown Libertyville later this year.