Karma Juice Bar and Eatery celebrates 10-year anniversary and its journey to success
JOSIE BARBER (LEFT) AND APRIL LUPKEY AT THE OPENING OF THE FIRST KARMA JUICE BAR AND EATERY IN DOWNTOWN ST. PETE | KARMA
St. Pete's beloved Karma Juice Bar & Eatery is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, but for founder Josie Barber, the landmark anniversary represents much more than a successful restaurant.
Karma Juice Bar and Eatery’s humble beginnings began in 2014 when mother-and-daughter duo, Barber and April Lupkey, opened up shop in downtown St. Pete at 209 1st Street NE, now home to Lily Rose Jewelry Co.
Today, Karma operates two locations in St. Petersburg at 490 1st Avenue South in downtown St. Pete and at 1804 4th Street North. A third outpost is located in Clearwater.
The health-conscious eatery had been a longtime aspiration for Barber, who was raised in the Philippines and relocated to the United States at the age of 20 amidst the challenges of war and conflict overseas.
KArmA offers seven AcAi bowls thAt Are Blended with almond milk and topped with house-made, gluten-free granola and honey | KArmA
Barber’s 9,000-mile journey to America wasn’t the only difficulty she had to endure.
On July 4th 2019, when the rest of the United States was grilling burgers and celebrating the country’s independence, Barber and Lupkey received devastating news. A fire broke had broken out at their restaurant, causing over $200,000 in damages.
Karma was forced to temporarily relocate to the EDGE District.
The obstacles didn’t stop there. A few years ago Barber received a devastating cancer diagnosis, which she battled and triumphed over. Today, she remains cancer free.
Karma’s Naanwich with hummus, roasted peppers, cucumber, tomato, spinach, kalamata olives, and feta | Karma
Despite the difficulties, Karma has not only survived, but has grown. The business has evolved from a humble juice bar to a thriving dining destination, with three locations throughout St. Pete and Clearwater.
Each location caters to a variety of different dietary preferences and needs, offering gluten-free baked goods, organic food, and plant-based options.
Karma specializes in fresh açaí bowls, cold-pressed juices, sandwiches, and salads.
The most popular bowl, the Indulge Bowl, contains an acai base, granola, banana, and strawberry drizzled with honey and topped with dark chocolate.
As for salads, it’s hard to beat the Avocado Mint Salad, which consists of mixed greens, avocado, garbanzos, feta cheese, olives, cucumber, tomato, carrots, almond shavings, and a house vinaigrette.
The K.S.S. Salad at Karma Juice Bar and eatery | Karma
Another best seller is the Naanwich, a chicken or avocado sandwich with hummus, roasted peppers, cucumber, tomato, spinach, kalamata olives, and feta.
If you’re in a hurry, grab a tropical smoothie, made with all natural ingredients with no added sugar or syrup.
All three eateries are open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Be sure to follow Karma on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on all the latest news and food specials.