5 Things to Know About Russell Wilson-Approved Juice Press

Juice Press, a New York-based chain with, yes, fresh-pressed juice on the brain, opens its doors in the University Village mall Monday, November 27, and the company is hoping to stand out from similarly named chains (like Pressed Juicery) with the endorsement of local sports royalty: Super Bowl-winning Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. Apparently he’s a longtime fan of the organic retailer, and has been eager to help it come to the West Coast.

The famous football player fielded questions — and even took a ceremonial turn at the blender — at a recent preview event, and so far seems to be shying away from the kind of outlandish claims he made when promoting Recovery Water a couple years ago. Still, here are five juicy things to know about the juice bar officially approved by DangeRuss Wilson:

1. This is the first Juice Press to open on the West Coast.

Founded by Marcus Antebi, Juice Press opened its first store in April 2010 in Manhattan’s East Village. Since then, the chain has expanded to five states with more than 70 retail shops, mainly on the East Coast. Seattle’s flagship shop will be Juice Press’ first West Coast location, but not its last: Wilson says there are plans to open more locations up and down the west side of the USA.

2. Wilson actually gave input on the design of Juice Press Seattle.

All of the Juice Press stores have different designs based on their locations. The Seattle shop is rather small, without much space for hanging out, so its focus is grab-and-go. In a nod to Wilson’s athletic interests, the space evokes a gym, with concrete countertops and flooring and wood beams near the ceiling.

3. Wilson’s favorite juice is “Love at First Sight.”

Juice Press has more than a dozen organic cold-pressed juices and homemade almond milk smoothies on the menu, but Wilson’s favorite is Love at First Sight. It’s a blend of green apple, kale, spinach, lemon, and ProViotic, a probiotic supplement supposedly useful for boosting the immune system. Another drink, The Danger Train, was inspired by Wilson, but the company is keeping its ingredients a secret until opening day.

Juice Press drinks are made to order or available in bottled form from a cooler.

4. There’s more to the menu than just liquids.

Juice is certainly the staple at Juice Press, backed up by smoothies, but there are also lots of solid foods on the menu. Customers can order organic soups, salads, and desserts, or pick up packaged snacks such as vegan protein energy bars, Gladiator Cookies, Raw Dark Chocolates, and Raw Oatmeal.

5. Juice Press is a “lifestyle.”

Wilson says he’s super excited to bring Juice Press out west, particularly to Seattle, given this city’s love for healthy food choices. “When you think about Juice Press, you want to think about healthy living, healthy eating,” he says. “It’s a lifestyle.” Sure it is.

Juice Press, 2620 NE University Village, website. Juice Press will be open Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.