Juice bars are a natural fit in Boulder’s conscientious dining scene but that doesn’t mean all juices are created equal. Many are so loaded with sugar they cancel out any of the health benefits. Such was the case for Steve and Alexis Schulze who discovered their frequent trips to Jamba Juice were tipping the scales. Alexis, whose background is in education and nutrition, began to develop juice recipes at their California home using locally grown, organic fruit and vegetables. Eventually, these blends evolved into Nekter Juice Bar, a chain of juice bars with a menu of cold-pressed juices, acai bowls, and nutritious snacks.

Nekter will open its first Colorado location in Boulder on June 30. Stores in Cherry Creek, Aurora, and Lakewood will follow. The duo’s mission, according to Steve, is to become the Starbucks of juices. “We wanted to create a go-to spot to get consistent, nutritious alternatives,” he says. The Schulzes are well on their way to achieving that goal: They are opening 23 new stores in as many weeks to bring their grand total to 52 locations across the southwest.

Tip: Can’t wait for the opening? Then check out Nekter’s stiffest competition, the Protein Bar, which debuted in April just across the street in Boulder’s 29th Street Mall. Look for nutritious, fresh juices, quinoa bowls, protein burritos, and salads.

Nekter Juice Bar, 2660 Pearl St., Boulder

Protein Bar, 1855 29th St., #1152, Boulder, 303-440-1028