A Fresh Start Juice Bar Makes It Easy With Smoothies, Bowls, Prepped Meals

PHOTOS BY M. JAE PHOTOGRAPHY

Courtney Eaton is not just making lemonade out of lemons; she’s also making lemon cream sauce and other healthy, yummy treats. And thanks to her perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit, the result is something that will benefit anyone interested in eating healthy in the Acworth community.

The Georgia native is co-owner of Ripe & Fresh, a new healthy food destination. Courtney and her three children moved back to Georgia from North Carolina after her 25-year marriage ended in 2020. She wanted to show her children that it doesn’t matter how hard you get knocked down. What matters is how you get back up.

With that in mind, Courtney took her knowledge of food preparation and opened a meal prep business called Eatin’ Fresh. She operated the business from a commercial kitchen in Kennesaw for the last two years. After experiencing success — Eatin’ Fresh won the Best of Cobb award for meal prep for two consecutive years — Courtney decided to expand

In June, Courtney and her niece Isabelle Welsh launched Ripe & Fresh, which offers 100% natural juice cleanses, smoothies, bowls and healthy, premade meals. The two are pouring their hearts into a business that they hope will share positivity along delicious. We strongly believe in providing the healthiest options with maximum benefits,” Courtney said.

“None of our items are pasteurized, have no added sugar and no preservatives. The juices are just juice and fresh-pressed to order. The smoothies have no additives. The meal prep is fresh, home-cooked food. Literally, the mashed potatoes are potatoes, butter, salt and cream.”

Great care also was taken when choosing the location; Ripe & Fresh has settled into its new space that’s near two workout facilities and a store that sells nutritional products.

Meet the Owners

Isabelle is a North Cobb High School graduate with a comprehensive athletic background and a passion to help others achieve good health. She is on the wrestling team at Life University, where she is working toward a business major with a minor in nutrition.

A year and a half ago, Isabelle had the opportunity to purchase recipes from Rachel Willis of Ripe Juicery, a Kennesaw business that has closed. Rachel taught Isabelle how to prepare fresh-pressed juices and cleanses. This became a job for Isabelle, who had to work around her athlete’s schedule.

“Being an athlete has always been a major part of my life, but finding good food on the go that fit what I needed was growing more and more difficult,” Isabelle said. “So I figured why not make it available myself? That is why my aunt and I do what we do.”

Courtney is a self-taught chef who formerly worked with senior citizens as a certified nursing assistant for 15 years. During that time, she developed a plethora of recipes from friends and co-workers from around the world and became focused on making sure seniors had healthy food that was affordable and easy to cook. Her prepared meals take only a couple minutes in the microwave.

Catering to empty-nesters, busy sports moms, retirees, divorcees and members of the fitness community is what Courtney loves to do.

“My mom always would tell us to be a turtle because you should never be afraid to stick your neck out. So I stuck my neck out and went all in to follow my dreams,” Courtney said.

A portion of the store is devoted to space for local artists to showcase their work. Isabelle loves crystals, so Ripe & Fresh features crystals made by a local artist who is a single mom.

Courtney wants to give back to the community that has loved and supported her as she transitions to this next chapter. Her plan for the future is to expand and open more juice bars and deliver healthy, prepared meals locally and globally.

“Cooking has always been a passion of mine,” Courtney said, “and I am truly blessed every day that I can pursue my passion by making life easier for others.”

Testimonials

“This place is amazing! They are now located in Acworth, which is a bit farther away for me, but I am willing to travel 40 minutes for quality food, service and people. They really put the community they serve first.” — Corey B.

“What an awesome place! I had the Nut Bowl, and it was so delicious. My kids had The Maverick smoothie and LOVED it. I appreciate having a local place to enjoy fresh, healthy and delicious food!” — Kristina B.

“We needed to provide breakfast for a small event last minute, and Courtney made it happen! We have tasted their food on multiple occasions, and it never disappoints. We are looking forward to the new location and cannot wait to try more of your creations!” — Titan Pro