The Juice Box
A tiny but fruitful shop focused on healthy, crave-worthy options, The Juice Box (77 Lafayette Road, North Hampton, 964-0640, ourjuicebox.com) is the brainchild of brothers and Rye natives Ryan and Tyler McGill, who set out to create a convenient quick-service spot offering fresh smoothies, juices and breakfast staples to the community they’ve always called home. Both lifelong surfers, the brothers also founded Summer Sessions, a beloved local surf shop that has been a fixture at Jenness Beach in Rye for nearly 25 years. It was there that their first food venture began to take root — when asked to maintain an existing convenience store cafe as part of their lease, the McGills started offering the kind of healthy, affordable and freshly made food they wanted for themselves. That concept gained traction and eventually led to the creation of The Juice Box, which later relocated to its current spot on Route 1 in North Hampton. The Juice Box’s small size fosters a focused, quality-driven approach to its menu, which includes freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, acai bowls, hearty bagels and freshly brewed coffees. “You sometimes go to juice and smoothie spots and there can be like 50 options, and it can get a little bit convoluted,” Tyler McGill said. “We really wanted to concentrate on having five [or] six options, and have each of them be an absolute home run.” The Scene recently caught up with Tyler to learn more about The Juice Box’s origins, menu highlights, and what he recommends you ought to try when you visit.
How long has The Juice Box been around?
We’ve been around for just over a decade. I think this is our 11th year.
What makes The Juice Box unique?
I think that people sometimes find that juice and smoothie shops can be a little bit intimidating … or oftentimes overpriced. And so what we wanted to do was make it more accessible. … We’re not exclusively juices and smoothies. You can also have a bagel or a waffle or a coffee. We’re kind of your one-stop shop for breakfast and lunchtime foods.
What is your favorite thing on your own menu?
Anybody who’s had the Cable Bagel will be back. I’d add crispy bacon, tomato and a little extra Frank’s, and it’s to die for. … On the healthier side, there’s a drink called the Kaley Slater, which is a green smoothie. That one is actually delicious and insanely good for you.
What is something that everyone should try?
One of the things we’re really, really well-known for is our acai bowl. The J Bay is my personal favorite — it’s an acai base with peanut butter and all the fruit fixings on top of it.
Name a celebrity you would like to see ordering from The Juice Box.
Oddly enough, I would say Danny McBride — he’s probably my favorite comedian. He lives in Charleston, South Carolina, and I know he’s a foodie, so I would love to see a little Southern take on our Northern health food.
What’s one essential skill needed to successfully run a restaurant?
I think it’s three very simple things: quality and consistency in your product, location and then the experience.
What is your favorite thing about being on the Seacoast?
It’s real simple for us — surfing. Nothing’s even close.
— Matt Ingersoll
Featured Photo: Courtesy Photo.
