The owner of JuSea, a new juice bar and cafe set to open Friday in Carolina Beach, wants to bring healthy eating and drinking to the beach.

Renee Edwards said she came up with the idea for JuSea after struggling to prepare the healthful foods she tries to eat on a daily basis while visiting the seaside.

Edwards, who recently relocated to Carolina Beach from Raleigh, made significant changes to her diet several years ago after suffering from a wide range of allergies. She said she always enjoyed escaping to the beach whenever the opportunity arose, but struggled with having to pack all of the ingredients and equipment she would need to stay on track with her plant-based diet.

“There’s something to be said for splurging on vacation, but for me, I needed to be sure that the majority of the time I was eating the way I do at home; otherwise, I wouldn’t feel good,” Edwards said.

When she first saw the space she is occupying at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, she said she fell in love with it right away and felt that a juice bar was a niche that she could fill.
 
“The whole point of being on vacation is that you don’t have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen,” Edwards said. “People want to feel good about what they’re eating and be out enjoying themselves.”
 
JuSea’s menu is built around all-natural acai bowls, smoothies and fresh-made juices. All items are gluten and dairy free, with the exception of a traditional granola that is available as an acai bowl topping.
 
Edwards offers plant-based pea protein as a mix-in and uses only natural sweeteners such as agave and local honey. Current juice flavors include apple kale, carrot citrus and beet berry. JuSea will offer a wide variety of smoothies, including Edward’s personal favorite, the Good Morning Sunshine, which incorporates coffee and nut butter for a caffeine and protein boost.
 
The juice bar is designed to be a vibrant and happy space said Edwards, and has what she describes as a “beachy chic” atmosphere.
 
“We want not only the food to set the tone, but the atmosphere as well,” Edwards said.
 
The space includes a custom bar and bistro table seating for twelve. Outdoor seating will be coming soon.
 
Edwards said she was drawn to Carolina Beach not only because she has great memories of vacationing there as a child, but because of the continued investment in the area.
 
“I’m really excited to be a part of the growth and development of the area,” Edwards said. “The community has already really embraced us and we haven’t even opened our doors yet.”
 
JuSea plans  is set to open Friday and be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with later hours on Thursday evenings for the fireworks.
 
JuSea is located at 11 Pavilion Avenue S., Suite 1.
  
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