This New River North Juice Bar Wants To Be a ‘Corner Store Food Hall Experience’

Real Good Juice Co., a smoothie chain that debuted in 2014 in Old Town, will next week unveil a new River North location that deviates from its other stores by selling hot food like grain bowls with wild-caught salmon. The chain’s parent company will recognize that change by rebranding as Real Good Stuff Co. More locations are on their way next year with the hot bar items.

The River North location, 701 N. Wells Street, should open on October 11. Subsequent new stores will have different stations. There’s the smoothie bar, a familiar sight to customers at the Old Town, Lakeview, or Bucktown locations. Then there’s the hot bar component where customers can build their own grain bowls or salads using wild salmon, Amish chicken, tofu, or veggies. Finally, there’s the “Snack Shack” station. That’s where they’ll pour coffee, serve vegan frozen yogurt, and offer desserts. There’s also a matcha bar.

The chain was building toward these changes, founder Jon Schiff said. He wants the new Real Good to be a “corner store food hall experience.” Real Good’s suppliers include Mick Klug Farms, Phoenix Bean Tofu, and Spirit Tea. Schiff said that quality is what makes Real Good a competitive edge.

The three stand-alone locations will be renamed to include neighborhoods: Real Good Old Town, Real Good Bucktown, and Real Good Southport. The locations inside Whole Foods will continue business as usual.

Real Good will bring its revamped concept to two Loop locations and another in the Chicago area next year. They also have plans for Michigan, Schiff said. Take a look at the menu below. Real Good River North opens next week.