A new organic café, Juice Palm, has set its opening day at their 8th St. Market location for Nov. 23, 2018 with soft openings on Nov. 20 and 21.
Juice Palm is a fast-casual restaurant focused on providing an avenue to a healthy mind and body through clean ingredients and sustainable practices. The menu features cold-pressed juices, smoothies, salads, various bites and signature smoothie bowls. The restaurant’s supply chain underwent a rigorous process to be verified as certified-organic compliant by the USDA, making it Arkansas’ first restaurant to be awarded the distinction. The emphasis on transparency and health comes from a need for authenticity in the health space.
juice palm
“I had trouble finding options that were truly health-conscious.” Omar Kasim, founder of Juice Palm says. “Most places conceal the amount of sugar that is added into their products or their definition of a ‘natural’ ingredient. I had an issue with that.”
Juice Palm opened its first location in Uptown Fayetteville in January earlier this year. Its impact on the community extends beyond food; complimentary workout series are hosted frequently and sustainability partnerships promote eco-friendly practices throughout the city. From cup to straw, products are served in 100% compostable material, and the restaurant donates over 200lbs of compost weekly.  The restaurant has demonstrated the impact small business can have to promote more sustainable practices in their communities.
juice palm
“Just because we are a small juice bar doesn’t mean we can’t make a big impact. Until I opened my first restaurant, I never truly realized how much waste a business produces daily, especially compostable waste.”
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Kasim is referring toCon Quesos, a restaurant he founded upon graduating from the University of Arkansas in 2015. The restaurant opened its doors January of 2016, just 7 months after Kasim finished school.  After over a year of success, hardship fell on Kasim in 2017 when he was forced out of the company by an investor. It was during this time that Kasim pursued another restaurant he conceptualized, Juice Palm. Shortly after signing an agreement on the first location, Kasim was approached with an opportunity to be a part of the 8thStreet Market project.
“It’s been incredible working with the team at Foodhub NWA to be a part of the 8thStreet Market family. The cohort of local businesses is unlike anywhere else in the State; I’m thrilled to be involved in this project.”
juice palm
The 8thStreet Market location will serve as the production kitchen for Juice Palm. Granolas, dehydrated fruits and zero-bake goods are just some of the additional items that will be produced at the Bentonville location. The interior features lounge seating, outlets along the bar, a meeting space and an iconic living art wall.
Now in 2018, Kasim is busier than ever. Aside from operations at Juice Palm, he is teaching an entrepreneurship class at the Sam M. Walton College of Businessand has returned to Con Quesos, now with full ownership. He has used his story as a platform to motivate students across the State to pursue their dreams and face adversity with a sense of relentless optimism. Kasim is also scheduled to appear on the PBS TV show Startup USA on an episode that highlights his entrepreneurial journey in Northwest Arkansas.
To learn more about this local startup, their values, and full menu visit juicepalm.com
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