December 31, 2017

Check out the Our Organic Acai Bowl at Glowing Juices in Echo Park

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Echo Park’s Glowing Juices.

So let’s start at the beginning – how’d you get into the restaurant business?
My husband and I are both from Canada. A few years ago, I moved here to LA to pursue Acting. I worked at a Juice Bar part-time, here in LA. I ended up loving the experience, the juices and how they made me feel. I believed wholeheartedly in the healing power of food and felt that we needed more health apothecaries as these. I ended up being a smoothie and juice connoisseur. Also, being a Vegan I had dreams of walking into an all Cruelty-Free Grocery store. So, my husband and I decided that we would take my ideas and Vegan dreams and open our own place. It was just my husband and I, and both sides of our families who contributed financially. So, it was straight up a family business. Not only that, my husband did most of the construction of the store. I was responsible for the menu, the concept, the logo and the marketing. The spot used to be a Liquor Market and closed roughly two years before we took over the lease. The floors needed to be done, we needed a bathroom and plumbing. It was a lot of work. My husband has no experience in opening a restaurant or working at one. I at least have worked in the service industry, but he hasn’t. Previously, he owned an Automotive shop in Canada, with his father. He caught on quickly, which was great. I have a BSC. in Human Kinetics. So, my undergrad influenced my health background. What was also challenging during our first year of operation was that I was finishing my Master’s in Fine Arts in Acting, at the California Institute of the Arts. So during the week, my husband ran the show. I graduated this May, so I will be hanging around the shop more often.

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced over the years?
The biggest challenge was our very limited (none, really) of opening a restaurant. Yes, I had worked at many. So, the permits and the regulations were alien to us. We had to do a lot of research. Also, I was in school full time, so this was difficult for my husband. Thank goodness he is so supportive and hardworking. He pushed through it. The build out was hard for him, he had to a lot of it on his own, because our contractor left midway through. Luckily, our friends and family were so incredibly supportive. Most of them were so far away, but there was so much love from them that we felt it all the way across North America. Being alone, was another challenge. We really didn’t know anyone well enough to ask for the support we needed. So, we had to just trust that things would pan out. We had to have a strong belief system, especially when things weren’t on schedule. There were days that were grim, but I believed wholeheartedly that this was going to happen.

What stands out about Glowing Juices?
There are a lot of juice bars in LA, and we knew that. First of all, we are also a Vegan Market. We have a big space, which allows us to pack it with Vegan Snacks, Vegan Condiments, Vegan Soaps, Essential Oils, Non-Perishables, Kombucha, Coconut Water.. etc. We also make our own to-go Vegan Sandwiches, Burritos, Salads, Superfood Cookies and Pizza. The stuff we make ourselves, we use Organic and Gluten-Free ingredients. We try to cater to people with food sensitivities. Our Juice and Smoothie menu is also unique. We add very rare herbs such as; Gotu Kola, Burdock, Longan and many others. We also don’t use Agave, but instead either sweeten with Apples or Dates. We are also proud of the fact that each smoothie and juice is amalgamated to a specific chakra. So, not only does each drink have a specific ‘function’, but it is also made to help ‘unblock’ or ‘open’ a specific chakra in the body, that may be causing a physical or emotional dysfunction. We also offer 8oz tonics, which are a concentrated version of a juice. They are designed to get it down quick, but having the most efficacy in the body. We do not offer Cold Pressed Juices, yet. We are still working on it. But we hope to launch them this summer. We also have an Acai Bowl on the menu that has become very popular. The mix is made fresh, and there are no fillers and it is sweetened with dates. It is one of the most popular items on our menu. Our decor is also very unique. We mainly have repurposed wood, specifically wooden palates, beams, planks and spools. It has an earthy and rustic feel to it.

Most Popular Items

Our Organic Acai Bowl

Acai, Strawberries, Blueberries (or Kiwi!), Dates, Banana, Apple, Coconut Shreds and Granola.
Dietary: Vegan Gluten-free Halaal Kosher

Sinus Juice and Vegan ‘Tuna’ Chickpea Sandwich

Sinus Juice (3rd Eye): 100% Organic. Green Apples, Lemon, Ginger, Orange, Cayenne & Wood Betony. Great for Clearing and Relieving Sinuses.
Tuna Chickapea Sandwich: 100% Organic. Chickpeas, Celery, Yellow Mustard, Apple Cider Vinegar, Gluten-Free Bun (Baked LA). Mixed Greens & Tomato.
Dietary: Vegan Gluten-free Halaal Kosher

Flu Shot

No need to go to the doctor. This powerful Organic potion has Garlic, Ginger, Lemon, Wheatgrass, Cayenne and Oil of Oregano.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Cote
Dietary: Vegan Gluten-free Halaal Kosher

Parking Advice:
There is only street parking available. Usually the ‘loading zone’ in front is free to park. You can also call us, and we can make a drink for you in advance and we can have it ready for you once you pick it up.

Happy Hour:

Average Entre Cost:Our Juices range from $6-$7.50 and our smoothies $7.50-$9. Our ‘to-go’ items range from $7-$11.

Address: 1557 Echo Park Ave
90026
Los Angeles

Phone:213.537.0680

Website: www.glowingjuices.com

Social Media links