So you want to open a fresh juice bar?

What you need

1. Capital

The business requires at least Sh50,000 to start. This covers rent for space, buying the equipment needed and licences.

2. Equipment

A juicer goes for Sh2,000 but it depends on the type. If you are targeting up-market business, you can get a nutri-bullet which goes for Sh10,000. “I bought two juicers which cost Sh4,000 and two blenders which went for Sh,3000,” says Masika. You also need a fridge to store the juice and jugs. 

3. Fruits

Depending on the type of juice you want to sell, you can choose to stock up on vegetables, fruits or both.

4. Licences

Most important is a food hygiene permit from the county government, which goes for Sh7,000 per year in Nairobi. You also need a business permit, for the same cost.

5. Space

You need to rent space at a place with high traffic; for example, in town centres. What has made Masika’s business successful is that it is located in Kenyatta Market where many salons are located. He says most of his customers are people who have come to get their hair done. “I end up selling even two cups to a single customer.”

6. Packaging

To pack the juice for your customers you need disposable cups, lids, straws and serviettes. For big orders, you can ask clients to bring their own containers.

7. Added value

Masika says you can increase your income by running other businesses in your bar. “I have an M-Pesa shop as part of the main business. I started because some customers choose to pay via M-Pesa and I saw an opportunity. So even customers who go to the neighbouring shops come here to deposit and withdraw,” he says. He also sells accompaniments for the juice such as cakes, mandazi and bread, and fresh fruit.

What you do not need

1. Employees

You can easily run the business without help because most of the time you sell on order. Some shops make the juice in the course of the day and then stock to sell to customers without them having wait.