On Oct. 23, The Juice Shack announced both of their locations, one in Altoona and one in Duncansville, would be closing their doors, a decision that came as a shock to many in the community.
The local smoothie shop had been a popular hangout spot for students after school, a place to grab a drink, study with friends or just relax. News of the closure spread quickly, leaving many loyal customers disappointed and wondering what led to the unexpected decision.
“I was really upset when I found out about them closing,” freshman Ellis Bast said. “It was one of my and my friends favorite places to go and hang out and get a little snack.”
“I did not believe it at first because it was such a loved place in our community,” sophomore Emma Morgan said. “I didn’t expect it to close because so many people love it there, every time I went there was always a long line because there were so many customers.”
Former employee, junior Skylar Irwin was also deeply affected by the closure.
“Obviously, I’m out of a job now; I loved all the people that worked there,” Irwin said. “So not only am I short of a job, but I made so many long, lasting friendships, and I don’t get to see them anymore.”
She also expressed concern about the bigger picture of small businesses closing across the country.
“I think it’s a big problem,” Irwin said. “I think small businesses are what keeps almost a sense of community as a public and seeing them go, it’s just hard to see.”
Irwin said she enjoyed the atmosphere at work more than anything.
“It was just really like a relaxed job, I didn’t feel too much pressure,” Irwin said. “My boss was like, the best. She was the sweetest, and she helped me get connections to other places too. I just love her. I’m going to miss her.”
She still remembers exactly where she was when she found out the shop was closing.
“I was in Spain when I found out,” Irwin said. “I got a call from my friend, and she said, ‘Skylar, you’re not going to believe it, but the Juice Shack, we’re closing.’ I was just shocked; nobody could believe that it was real because we just thought we were going to have this job until we graduated.”
Even after the closure, Irwin said she would definitely work at another small business in the future.
“I love it,” Irwin said. “I think that all the people that come in are willing to rally behind the business, and they just love it. Everybody’s so supportive. It’s just peaceful. It’s not chaotic.”
After the announcement of the closure, The Beech Tree Cafe in Hollidaysburg announced they would begin serving the Juice Shack partial menu. Jimmie and Laura Peters own three local businesses and wanted to help fill the void left by the closure of the business.
