Clean Juice

LANDON AND KAT ECKLES NEVER SET OUT TO RUN A MULTI-MILLION dollar franchise business. In fact, launching Clean Juice was a byproduct of wanting to spend more time with family and a desire to live a healthier lifestyle. Early in their marriage, Landon worked long hours and often had to travel for weeks at a time. He hated being away from his growing family. At the same time, Kat started experimenting with juicing and became very passionate about its health benefits.

The couple had always talked about being in business for themselves and soon realized that Kat’s passion for juicing could be the answer. Together in 2015, they opened the first Clean Juice. The entire menu is certified organic and items include juices, acai bowls, smoothies, and healthy treats like almond butter and avocado toasts. There is also a cold-pressed juice cleanse regimen, which comes bottled and consists of six specific juices for a whole day of cleansing. “Our juices are organic and raw, not processed. They are cold-pressed on site at each location.” Landon adds. Using her kids as guinea pigs, Kat created a menu that has something for everyone. “We figured if you can get your kids to like it, most people will, too. It doesn’t have to taste bad to be good for you,” Landon says.

“We’re the only juice franchise that is USDA certified organic. It’s not just a claim we are making. Becoming certified organic is a rigorous process. All of our stores are audited biannually by a USDA approved certifier, the CCOF,” explains Landon. “Since franchise partners follow our system, they are able to open their stores with the USDA organic certification.”

Franchising wasn’t in the original plan, but the couple began awarding territories in 2016. “We were getting inquiries all the time,” Landon says. But after winning the International Franchise Association’s NextGen Competition in February 2018, the growth of Clean Juice exploded. There are now 43 open locations, with another 75 in development.

“We field about 1,000 leads for franchising a quarter. We want to partner with people who share our ideals and passion for this business,” Landon says.

These days, the Eckles and their five children enjoy spending lots of time together. “Since we opened our doors, the kids love hanging around our stores,” says Landon. “We try to integrate our work family with our home family, and it’s been great.”

Clean Juice is the only juice franchise that is USDA certified organic.

While launching their business, Landon and Kat Eckles created a better work/life balance for themselves.