In 2008, I wrote a piece titled, "Why isn't there a Jamba Juice in Milwaukee?" Seven years later, the company boasts two locations, with a third on the way in October.
The newest location will be situated in the heart of Milwaukee, Downtown, next to Jersey Mike’s at East Pointe Commons.
Jamba Juice opened its first area location at Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa in 2013, with a second following at the Brookfield Fashion Center.
The company is best known for its juices and smoothies, though they also offer a variety of healthy breakfast, lunch and snack options. Most recently, they announced the launch of a new line of organic, non-GMO, ready-to-drink cold pressed juice blends.
The lease for the 1,098-square foot space at 544 E. Ogden St. was signed Wednesday, and the new location will be the third in the area under the ownership of Jamba franchise partners Tom Gaeta, Matt Geik and Jamie Newton of G&G Juice Company of Wisconsin, LLC. "
MLG Commercial is proud to represent Jamba Juice and to have worked with Mid America Real Estate who represented the property owner," Bruce Westling, a principal of NAI MLG Commercial said. Kevin Schmoldt was the broker for Jamba Juice at MLG Commercial.
"We believe that Downtown Milwaukee is on a great trend from a development standpoint with new housing options and a growing business community. Obviously, everyone knows about the Bucks and the arena, but there is much more going on. And we feel this kind of activity is creating a community in downtown that, frankly, needs Jamba Juice," said Matt Geik, managing owner of G&G Juice Company of Wisconsin.
"What you're seeing with all the energy and excitement downtown are people who are choosing to work and live here and make the area an exciting place to be. Those same people are developing lifestyles that are about being out and about and active in the community," added Geik.
As of June 30, there were 807 Jamba stores in the United States, of which 601 are franchise-operated stores, and 206 are company-owned. Among the locations, the company boasts a portfolio of formats including stores, smoothie stations, and JambaGo units that deliver in a variety of locations.
According to Geik, the new location will offer corporate and special event catering in and around Downtown.
"There hasn't been a week that's gone by without someone contacting us asking, even begging at times for a downtown location. So we're really excited about providing this for all those people who already understand the role we play and how we fit into people's lifestyle," said Geik. "We're also just as excited to show a whole lot of new people the same thing and how we'll be a great for them as well."
Jamba Juice will be posting hiring information for the new Downtown location in the coming weeks.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
.jpeg)
