Two Shots of Wheatgrass, Please!

Bed-Stuy resident Joseph Ward used to own and run a contracting company that demolished buildings to make way for new developments.

Today, he has left that all behind.

“No more demolition,” Ward says shaking his head. Instead, of tearing things down, his focus is on building up—the community’s health, that is.

These days, his goal is getting the neighborhood more comfy with consuming cucumbers and carrots at his brand-new fresh juice bar, Jo Juice, located at 1093 Bedford Avenue between Quincy and Gates avenues.

Jo Juice celebrated its grand opening on Wednesday and carries a full line of fresh juices, smoothies, protein shakes and wheatgrass shots. Jo Juice also has on its menu seasonal soups and banana and cornmeal porridges.

Ward says he started juicing seven years ago. He immediately saw a difference in the way he looked and felt, and he wanted to share that feeling with others.

“I used to have very unhealthy eating habits, fried foods, doughnuts, you know,” he said. But once he started juicing and stuck with it, over time, his taste buds changed.

“I eat a lot of vegetables and fruits now, because I like the way it tastes. I saw people in the community becoming interested in eating more healthy too, so I decided to open this bar to give them a boost.”

The interior of Jo Juice looks like a work-in-progress, in need of a designer’s light touch; the loud fluorescent lights are a bit of a throwback to grammar school days and the air is… well, they need air conditioning.

But if all you’re looking for is a freshly made juice or smoothie to go, Jo Juice does the job! Plus, it’s conveniently located just one and half blocks from the Bedford YMCA, if you’re seeking an ideal before- or after-workout beverage.

And right now the store is featuring a special $1 off all juices and smoothies with a valid YMCA membership I.D.

Jo Juice is open Monday through Sunday, 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

(And by the way, according to Ward, they should have air conditioning by this weekend).