Born and raised in Memphis, Darious Robertson has always looked for ways to bring energy and creativity to the community. From the stage to the smoothie counter, his path to opening The Juice Joint is rooted in both performance and purpose. What started as a personal shift toward health and wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a community-centered juice bar that’s gaining local momentum and giving back along the way.
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From Collegiate to Community Impact
Darious is a graduate of Memphis’ own Collegiate School of Memphis. It was there he first developed an interest in entrepreneurship, encouraged by the school’s focus on leadership and personal growth. “I always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” he shared. “This is a way for me to give back.”
Though Darious spent years involved in theatre and film, the pandemic brought a lifestyle change. He became more health-conscious and bought a juicer. What began as a way to improve his own wellness quickly turned into something more. He started selling juices to friends and family, learning about herbs and ingredients, and exploring how he could bring his vision for a juice bar to life.
The Juice Joint: A Fresh Approach
In 2024, Darious tested out a pop-up model on Cooper Street, drawing a strong response from locals. At the time, Memphis had few juice spots, with I Love Juice Bar being one of the most recognized. Darious saw room to create something fresh, grounded in community and accessibility. The Juice Joint sources ingredients locally from partners like Black Seeds Urban Farm, Girls Inc., and Restaurant Depot.
Beyond smoothies and bowls, Darious is planning a nonprofit extension called The Juice Joint Initiative, which will provide juices and sandwiches to those in need. It’s another way he hopes to connect health with help, bringing nutritious food directly to the community.
As for the menu, he recommends starting with their acai or dragonfruit bowls, both of which can be fully customized. They’re made with an apple juice base, which gives them a unique flavor that customers keep coming back for. “Our acai bowls are the best in the city,” he says.
Thriving in Memphis
When asked what advice he’d give to others looking to start a business in Memphis, Darious keeps it simple: “Find a team, create a business plan, and move forward.” For him, support from friends, family, and the theatre community has been essential.
Outside of running The Juice Joint, Darious enjoys riding down Riverside Drive, walking Big River Crossing, and spending time at Overton Park. These spots, along with his own work, reflect his belief that Memphis is full of potential. “So much good happens here in Memphis,” he said. “This is a beautiful place. You can thrive here.”
Follow @thejuicejointmemphis on Instagram and visit thejuicejointbar.com to stay up to date. A brick-and-mortar location is on the way. Stay tuned for the grand opening announcement right here on Choose901.