Gather Juice Co.

Health food for the seriously health conscious

By Dutch Randall, Jackie Fender on October 3, 2019

ANNOUNCER: Tacoma locals Sean and Gretchen Doyel -- hoping to offer fast, fresh, healthy options to other Tacoma locals -- have finally opened their doors this past month. The success of similar juice bars in Seattle helped fuel this ambition, and early traffic results would suggest that the neighborhood is glad they did. Dutch and Jackie head in this week with healthy alternatives on their mind.

JACKIE: Their focus on wellness exudes from the space; it's warm and well lit, clean, open and the staff is welcoming and prompt. While the menu is still expanding, a selection of juices, smoothies, "wellness lattes" and smoothie bowls are available -- avocado toast is marked as coming soon. Before you even get to the flavors, their reusable glass jars for the juices and corn-based plastic to-go containers further bring home their vision.

DUTCH: Without question, this is a stop for those serious about their nutritional health. I was clearly out of my element and was fortunate that the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. I was steered toward the Detox Lemonade. This is much like natural lemonades I've had in the past with fresh juice, agave for sweetener, and a little sea salt for an added kick. However, the addition of coconut charcoal elevates the drink by working as a binding agent for any toxins in your system.

JACKIE: Eagerly anticipating Gather, I followed them closely on social media. In their first few weeks they were selling cold-pressed juices like hot cakes, announcing early closures daily due to lack of inventory. Way to show up Tacoma. Apparently, I wasn't the only one excited.

Their golden milk latte the Stay Golden -- boasts turmeric, cinnamon, pepper, reishi, Ashwagandha, Himalayan sea salt, ginger, and cardamom -- is delectable. It feels like a warm hug the moment it hits your lips.

DUTCH: I also went after the Tropical Smoothie Bowl, which combines a smoothie with granola and fresh sliced bananas. Unlike smoothies I've had in the past, this is spoon worthy with the addition of the additional toppings. Pineapple and spinach are blended smooth with a coconut water base before being "bowled" and topped. I hit them at opening in the morning and was full and satisfied for a good part of the day.

JACKIE: The Blueberry Almond Butter smoothie is luscious and damn tasty. While I found mine satisfying, you can add hemp protein for more sustenance, but the mixture of blueberries, almond mylk, banana, and almond butter was the perfect way to start my day. Friday through Sunday, you can snag yourself a Detox Lemonade like Dutch. They only release it on Fridays, and once it's gone, it's gone! Lemon, agave, Himalayan sea salt and activated coconut charcoal might just cure what ails you after or before a weekend of shenanigans.

DUTCH: I'm looking forward to the addition of oatmeals and salads which are in the works.

GATHER JUICE CO., 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 2612 6th Ave., Tacoma, GatherJuice.com