Dr. Djenane Bartholomew and Dexter Bartholomew have opened Frutango Juice Bar, in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York.
Frutango’s juices and smoothie products contain no additional additives or extra sugars and “provide customers with nothing but 100% cold-pressed juice from fruits and vegetables,” says Dexter Bartholomew. The founders also incorporate ingredients from their Haitian heritage, including ginger, turmeric, and lemon.
The goal is to provide Flatbush’s Caribbean community with healthy and tasty options while helping to combat hypertension and diabetes through nutrition.
Frutango wants to create an educational experience so customers can learn about the ingredients in every juice or smoothie produced, including through education pamphlets placed throughout the bar, so customers can choose what works best for them.
Djenane Bartholomew says Caribbean children and adults consume too much sugar, “and back home [Caribbean] we are used to a lot of sugar in the production of our juices.” One in 3 Caribbean children is estimated to be obese or overweight, which leads to medical issues in childhood and adulthood including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
“The Caribbean culture here in New York is the same. We have all of the risk factors, and sugary drinks are the primary source of sugar in our diets.”
Frutango sells all-natural juices, smoothies, smoothie bowls, superfood lattes, coffee elixirs, acai bowls, salads, wellness shots, and iced drinks.
The Banana Berry Punch smoothie is a fulfilling meal replacement packed with natural fuel including coconut milk, agave, vanilla extract, peanut butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and bananas. Their cleanse program offers three different options: the beginner needing a reset, an intermediate customer interested in replacing daily food intake with juices, and an advanced juicer seeking a total cleanse.
tom-banner ampforwp-incontent-ad3">Whether you are interested in a juice, smoothie, or a total cleanse package, you will be provided with the information needed to commit to a healthier lifestyle. “We worked with a consultant to develop juices and flavors for a Caribbean community that are both healthy and flavorful,” Dexter Bartholomew says.
“As we are introducing juicing into this community the ingredients have to resonate with our customers, feel like home, and taste like home,” he adds.
The Frutango product offerings can be purchased at its retail location on Church Avenue in Brooklyn New York or line. In addition, Frutango Juice Bar has partnered with delivery services Uber Eats, and Grub Hub for ordering convenience and access to juice options.
The Bartholomews want to continue to promote a healthier option for their community and use their experience in the franchise industry to open multiple Frutango Juice Bar locations.