Detroit entrepreneurs open city's first Black-owned Beyond Juicery + Eatery

John and Allyson Smith will open Beyond Juicery + Eatery University District on Nov. 21 at 17149 Livernois Avenue, marking the first Black husband-and-wife-owned franchise in the Michigan brand’s system. The new restaurant adds fresh food access, jobs and a wellness-focused business in a historic Detroit neighborhood.

Why it matters: - The opening adds a Black-owned franchise to Detroit’s University District and expands fresh food options in a neighborhood near the University of Detroit Mercy. - The Smiths say the restaurant is meant to support wellness, economic opportunity and neighborhood investment. - The location will also create jobs for young adults and college students.

What happened: - Detroit entrepreneurs John and Allyson Smith are opening Beyond Juicery + Eatery University District at 17149 Livernois Avenue. - The restaurant is the first Beyond Juicery + Eatery franchise owned by a Black husband-and-wife team. - An invitation-only media preview and Smoothie Social are set for Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, at noon. - Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is expected to join the ribbon-cutting celebration. - The restaurant opens to the public Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, at 11 a.m.

The details: - The University District site is along the Livernois corridor near the University of Detroit Mercy. - The restaurant will serve neighborhood residents, students, families and nearby businesses. - The Smiths have framed the opening as an extension of their work in health and wellness. - John Smith founded Grindtime Fitness, a Detroit fitness facility that has served thousands of residents. - The couple has also supported youth wellness initiatives focused on fitness, nutrition and healthier lifestyles. - The restaurant plans to participate in Michigan’s Restaurant Meal Program, which would let eligible SNAP recipients buy qualifying prepared meals with a Michigan Bridge Card, subject to program approval. - The first 200 customers who make a purchase on opening day will receive complimentary tote bags. - Beyond Juicery + Eatery was founded in Birmingham, Michigan, in 2005 by Mijo Alanis and Pam Vivio. - The brand offers made-to-order smoothies, juices, wraps and salads. - The company began franchising in 2018 and now operates more than 55 locations, with additional restaurants in development in Michigan, Ohio, Florida and Georgia. - The brand’s website is More information. - The company’s Instagram account is Social updates.

Between the lines: - The Smiths are positioning ownership as both a business milestone and a community statement. - Their focus on nutrition fits with Detroit’s broader push around community health and neighborhood economic development. - The franchise model gives the couple a way to combine local ownership with an established brand. - The opening also adds representation in a sector where Black ownership remains limited.

What's next: - The invitation-only preview and ribbon cutting happen Friday. - Public service begins Saturday morning. - If approved, the Restaurant Meal Program could broaden access for SNAP recipients who need prepared food options. - The Smiths say they want the restaurant to become a long-term part of the neighborhood and a source of inspiration for future Detroit entrepreneurs.