(Editor’s Note: This story has been revised from an earlier version to correct the street number of the new Big Squeezy location. Daily Report regrets the error.)
The Big Squeezy is expanding to downtown Baton Rouge, and plans to have its third location open in the vacant space at 327 North Blvd. by this weekend.
Ash Shoukry, a partner in the growing company, says the 2,500-square-foot space on North Boulevard, which was previously occupied by CC’s Coffee House, is ideal for the fresh-squeezed juice and smoothie bar because of its proximity to the many downtown office buildings.
“We like this store based on the location and proximity to all the state buildings, court house, and park,” Shoukry says. “I also like the fact the river is right down the street.”
Founder Kim Matsko opened The Big Squeezy’s first location in 2014 at 3043 Perkins Road in the overpass neighborhood. In January, she opened a second location in Alexander’s Highland Market. A fourth location that’s slated to open next year in New Orleans is in the planning stages.
Shoukry says the New Orleans store will hopefully be one of several outside of the Baton Rouge market, as the company continues its expansion.
“Our plans are to expand in New Orleans, Lafayette, and hopefully a few more locations in Baton Rouge,” he says.
The Big Squeezy has a “farm to bottle” program, and procures much of the produce used in its cold-press juices from organic farms in northern and southern California, says Shoukry, who divides his time between Baton Rouge and Monterey, California. The company works with the LSU AgCenter and the LSU Food Incubator to develop healthy smoothies, fresh cold-pressed juices, coffees, organic gelato, iced coffee drinks, soups, oatmeal, as well as several new coffee blends that are low in calories and new to the market.
—Stephanie Riegel
