COASTAL • Roots Craft Juice

Dining: Coastal

THE OSIDER JULY/AUGUST 2021

ROOTS CRAFT JUICE

WORDS: KATIE LALICATA PHOTOS: ZACH CORDNER

Roots. They’re what connect, nourish, feed, and grow—the essence of that which becomes. And within this idea, Roots Craft Juice was born.

Thoughtful in their name, brand, concept and products, Roots Craft Juice is not just place slanging green libations and Acai bowls, but in its layers it’s providing this town with so much more. Humble and modest in their demeanor, and bold and delicious in their flavors and creations— Roots Craft owners Hunter Shepard and Tim Culp have built an ideal addition to Oceanside’s thriving small business, veteran-owned, and communityoriented scene.

As this town continues to change, it’s refreshing to see some of these new establishments represent the authentic voice and style of Oceanside. Offering a yummy variety of cold pressed juices, smoothies, and plant-based snacks, Culp and Shepard have tapped into the OG pulse of O’side without missing a beat. Tucked into a cozy storefront off Wisconsin and Cleveland, the location is accessible, and fabulous for all kinds of days and moods—a visit after a work out, or for a break from a midday beach adventure.

Everything about Roots Craft Juice makes it the kind of place that’s easy to support. Life-long best friends, veterans, and all around nice guys, the owners here are the perfect duo. Hunter—all smiles, friendly, and welcoming runs the front of the house, while Tim with his more quiet and shy demeanor holds court in the kitchen. Tim’s career as a fine dining chef was radically changed due to the pandemic, but then took a sweet turn when he partnered with Hunter’s entrepreneurial spirit to open—what both would consider—“the dream.”

Culp and Shepard believe in health and wellness, and Culp’s creative spirit and love for music is fully displayed in their playful juice and smoothie titles. From “Carrot on My Wayward Son” to “Beetwood Mac,” every juice here is cold pressed (the most beneficial way to preserve nutrients in the juicing process), and with these rock ’n’ roll-themed names, it makes drinking healthy, and even more fun. This concept, hatched in COVID times, is just another shining example of the entrepreneurial attitude that makes Oceanside such a rad, thriving, and eclectic community.

Roots Craft Juice has been jamming along with open doors and hearts since the beginning of February. As business continues to show steady growth, they’re super excited to have just expanded their team by hiring their first employee! In addition to their store, Tim and Hunter can be found selling their fare at the Thursday Oceanside Farmer’s Market. They’ve recently collaborated with The Cup and have a specialty “cold brew smoothie,” and are excited to weave more webs with the formation of other small business partnerships in the near future.

Roots Craft shops for all of their produce using as many local and organic vendors as possible, and they continue to revise and edit their menu with the community’s needs and preferences in mind. Another part of their process will be an expanded menu as Tim is stoked to get some fun seasonal juices, smoothies, snacks, and fresh summer salads in the mix.

The passion these two have for health, wellness, and community—all while nailing their entrance to the juice and business world—seems to be an ideal combination to serve incredible products from the roots of their hearts to yours!

Owners Tim Culp and Hunter Shepard

Roots Craft Juice 631 South Cleveland Street rootscraftjuice.com @rootscraftjuice