In just under five years The Grove Juicery + Wellness Café has expanded its offerings with a vast lineup of plant-based products, a subscription service, and a host of events and partnership opportunities. Its latest achievement has come in the form of a new space in Elkhorn.
Indicators of growth are not limited to brick and mortar as the Omaha-born business makes a big splash in the wellness products marketplace — though owner and founder Meghann Schense noted that expanding into multiple locations was always “part of the plan.”
“I am always thinking about the best way to grow our business through all our channels,” she said, referring to its online presence, wholesale programs and partnerships.
In fact, this strategic front came as a silver lining when the business had to make a shift in 2020.
“Pivoting and surviving COVID is one of the biggest challenges we have faced to date; we were just over a year in business when COVID hit,” she recalled. “I really had to put my head down, restructure and restrategize, again and again, to make sure we would be able to come out on the other side.”
While this did delay The Grove’s growth trajectory, it allowed for “a focus on creating multiple sales channels, ultimately making us a stronger business.”
teas, CBD oil, non-alcoholic wines and snacks. (photography by Debra S. Kaplan)
In all, the business’s lineup is vast. It spans an array of juices and wellness shots, plant-based milks, a range of wellness and detox cleanses, coffees and teas, power smoothies and plant-based superfood bowls, bites and toasts.
Numerous add-ons have specific functions, such as superfood and adaptogen blends to support immunity and stress relief, skin health, and improved energy and endurance.
Ultimately, changes driven by crisis also led to what would become The Grove’s second location.
“During COVID, one way we pivoted — like a lot of restaurant businesses — was into delivery,” she explained. “We found ourselves out in west Omaha, Gretna and Elkhorn daily delivering orders. So, when it came time to look for our second brick-and-mortar, it seemed like a no-brainer to come out west.”
While she said finding the right location “took some time,” it ultimately landed at 18101 Chicago St. in the West Dodge Hills development.
“It was important to me to somewhat anchor both ends of this sprawling city,” she said.
The location, which opened in November, has been warmly received.
“Downtown we are surrounded by local food businesses, whereas out west we see a lot more chains,” she said. “People with their livelihoods here are so happy to have more local, healthier, fresher food options close by.”
Fresh Start Meets History
And, while its flagship, Grove Downtown, may not be the new kid on the block, Schense said it will always have a special place in her heart.
“Growing our small business in a 100-year-old building, in a developing neighborhood, I was well aware we were a destination spot,” she said. “So, creating an inviting, inspiring space that has become so loved and enjoyed by customers in Omaha and beyond is a wonderful feeling.”
Schense said they plan to grow the space at 2401 Farnam St. — and its community — for years to come.
For the near term, the team is focusing on the New Year.
“This is definitely one of our busiest times of year,” she stated. “I personally love the fresh start of a New Year and the possibilities that come with a clear perspective.”
She referred to an abundance of promotions, specials and giveaways occurring at the time of this writing in early January.
“One of our most popular is our 28-Day New Year Challenge, which entails doing a juice cleanse one, two or three days a week for four weeks, or doing a juice meal replacement each day for 28 days,” she noted.
Details can be found on its website, including a full guide.
Event Hub
The Grove also offers personalized events for celebrations and company meetings alike, and wholesale program and partnership opportunities.
“We love partnering with local businesses,” Schense said. “Companies have brought us in to do tastings, create custom labels and juices for special events, cater employee and customer appreciation days, and have added our products into their cafeterias for healthier food options for employees.”
More than anything, Schense said she has learned this feat is truly a “labor of love.”
“Because owning and operating a restaurant, or two, is not easy,” she said. “I am so proud of the food we make every day.”
She said the team has worked hard over the years to do “what we do best,” while noting that they refined and developed juices and plant-powered menus that distinguish not just locally but on a national level.
“Every ingredient and recipe has been carefully crafted and designed to optimize individual health and the health of our community, allowing us to function at our highest level,” she said. “The power of good health, at the end of every day, is our most valuable possession.”
The Grove Juicery + Wellness Cafe
Locations: 2401 Farnam St., Omaha 68131; 18101 Chicago St., Elkhorn 68022
Website: thegrovejuicery.com
Social Media: Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest
