Smiths to Open Detroit's First Black-Owned Beyond Juicery + Eatery on November 21

Detroit entrepreneurs John and Allyson Smith will open the city's first Black-owned Beyond Juicery + Eatery on November 21, 2026, at 17149 Livernois Avenue, the company said in a press release distributed by EIN Presswire. The University District location is the Michigan-based brand's first franchise owned by a Black husband-and-wife team.

Inside the University District Opening

An invitation-only Smoothie Social and media preview with a ribbon-cutting celebration featuring Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is scheduled for Friday, November 20, 2026, at noon. The restaurant opens to the public Saturday, November 21, at 11 a.m., with complimentary tote bags for the first 200 customers who make a purchase. The site sits along the Livernois corridor near the University of Detroit Mercy and will serve neighborhood residents, students, families and surrounding businesses.

The University District location plans to take part 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 restaurant will also hire young adults and college students for hospitality, business operations and customer service roles.

"Detroiters deserve access to fresh food, quality businesses and opportunities for economic growth right in their own neighborhoods," said Allyson Smith, co-owner. John Smith founded Grindtime Fitness, a Detroit fitness facility, and the couple has supported youth wellness initiatives focused on fitness and nutrition.

Beyond Juicery's Franchise Footprint

Beyond Juicery + Eatery was founded in Birmingham, Michigan, in 2005 by Mijo Alanis and Pam Vivio and began franchising in 2018. According to akta.pro company records, the brand operates more than 50 locations across Michigan, Ohio, Florida and Georgia, with expansion plans that include Brookhaven, Canton, Cleveland Clinic, Delray Beach and Dunwoody. The same records list an angel round in July 2026 with one investor.

Earlier Moves Across the Brand

Beyond Juicery + Eatery launched three Lifestyle Bowls, including Korean BBQ Salmon, Harissa Roasted Chicken and Carne Asada, plus a customizable option, and reintroduced its Holiday Menu, Yahoo reported in October 2026. In September 2026, Qsrmagazine reported that Elliott Disner, the brand's senior director of brand and product innovation, became a franchise owner and plans to open his first location in West Delray Beach, Florida, this fall. Qsrmagazine also reported in August 2026 that a location at The Shops at Dunwoody in Georgia opened on August 29, operated by franchise partners Ricky Burch and Ross Hare.

What Happens at the Livernois Location

The public opening follows the November 20 ribbon-cutting at noon, with the restaurant welcoming customers from 11 a.m. on November 21.