The Healthy Juice Bar’s Franchisees and Customers Requested Hot Drinks
- Movita Juice Bar’s new functional teas have been formulated to provide health benefits along with hydration and great taste.
- With any Movita menu innovation, nutrition remains the brand’s No. 1 priority.
- A brand and image refresh is underway at Movita.
- Movita has 25 locations in operation and more than 10 in development.
Successful franchise leaders do a lot of listening. So when Movita Juice Bar franchisees suggested adding warm beverages to the existing menu of nutritious juices, bowls and toasts, co-founder and CEO Raul Rodriguez paid attention. That led to Movita’s recent menu innovation, adding four new “functional teas” that blend botanicals and other ingredients to deliver health benefits as well as hydration and flavor.
“We always listen to franchisees’ input on ingredients and product ideas, and we created our functional tea beverage line after they requested warm drink options for their customers. We carefully evaluate each suggestion based on logistics, supplier reliability, product availability and cost. This ensures we introduce only products that are both high quality and operationally practical for the entire system.”
About the Hot Functional Teas
After in-depth research and development, the foursome in Movita’s new Hot Functional Tea line met all of those requirements. “These teas are thoughtfully designed to align with our brand’s core values of health, wellness and functionality — delivering both comfort and purpose,” Rodriguez says. Here’s a description of each:
- Hot Matcha, a smooth, creamy and energizing blend of finely ground matcha green tea with steamed almond milk, vanilla, agave and an adaptogenic (stress-reducing) mushroom boost. “It’s a pick-me-up packed with antioxidants. It sharpens focus while keeping you calm and balanced,” Rodriguez says.
- Golden Turmeric Spice Tea, aka Golden Milk, a combination of turmeric and other spices, plus a hint of agave for sweetness. He pronounces it “the perfect way to unwind while nourishing your body.”
- Chai Tea, a chai spice brew with steamed almond milk and a touch of sweetness. Sounding a bit like a sommelier, Rodriguez describes it as “an aromatic, cozy classic layered with cinnamon, cardamom and cloves.”
- Harmony Tea, a caffeine-free mixture of hibiscus extract, fresh ginger and premium tea with tart, floral and spicy flavors. “It’s rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, and the recipe will lift your mood and bring your body into balance,” he says.
Nutrition Rules as Always
With all four of these functional teas, Movita’s team kept nutrition as top priority. “We stay continuously informed on the latest health research and science to ensure Movita always reflects the most trusted wellness practices. Our team includes an in-house nutritionist, and we actively follow leading doctors, researchers and scientists,” Rodriguez says. “I also serve on the board of directors of a hospital, which keeps us connected to medical insights and evolving health standards.”
He emphasizes that “everything we offer is thoughtfully designed to align with our commitment to health and well-being. Health is part of our DNA, and our menu innovation in the wellness space continually drives us to improve how we deliver on our mission. Because ingredients and nutritional research are always evolving, it’s essential for us to stay informed and connected to the latest science and best practices.”
Other Changes Coming to Movita
Functional teas aren’t the only breaking news from the growing 10-year-old brand, Rodriguez says. “We’re undergoing a full brand and image refresh. We recently hired a head of design with deep industry experience who will lead a complete graphic identity update. This includes a new menu design, a redesigned website, updated printed materials and refreshed brand visuals. All of these are scheduled to launch in January 2026.
“In addition, we have partnered with a specialized interior design firm to enhance the in-store experience with a modern, clean and premium look. We are also redesigning the retail area across our stores to provide a wider selection of healthy grab-and-go bars and snacks that align with our brand values.”
Movita’s Growth
Movita benefits from its forward-looking leadership as well as from being situated within the nation’s thriving juice bar industry, which has grown strongly for five years, according to industry research specialist IBISWorld. “Overall, revenue has been rising at a CAGR [compound annual growth rate] of 5.3% to $4.5 billion over the past five years, including an expected 0.8% increase in 2025,” IBISWorld notes.
Industry growth strengthens Rodriguez’s conviction that his franchise has a bright future. “Movita is well on its way to reaching 50 open locations, which is widely recognized as the milestone that defines an emerging national brand. Based on our current growth trajectory, we are on track to achieve that milestone within the next two years,” says Rodriguez (above).
The Movita franchise has 25 locations in operation and more than 10 in development, he says. Most of its juice bars are in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area, with two in the Sacramento area and others in Orange County, Calif. “We’re also expanding in Texas and Florida, with new stores coming soon to the Houston suburb of Sugar Land and to Miami,” Rodriguez says.
To Learn More
Movita’s franchising website gives details about investment opportunities with the steadily expanding brand. For general information about the brand, its menu and its mission, visit Movita’s main website.
