Juicery Plus

Juicery Plus at 1387 George Dieter Drive presents itself as a modern destination for health-conscious consumers in El Paso. More than just a typical juice bar, it operates as a full-fledged restaurant, offering a menu that extends far beyond beverages. With options for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, and services including dine-in, takeout, and delivery, it aims to be a convenient and versatile spot. The establishment caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, with specific offerings for vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters, a feature that broadens its appeal significantly. However, a closer look at customer experiences reveals a business with notable strengths but also significant and concerning weaknesses.

The Menu: A Wide Array of Choices

The primary draw for Juicery Plus is undoubtedly its diverse and ambitious menu. For those seeking classic health fare, the selection of fresh juices, healthy smoothies, and smoothie bowls is extensive. These items are the foundation of the brand, promising a nutritious boost with colorful, fresh ingredients. Photos of their products showcase vibrant creations that look appealing and are aligned with the expectations for a modern wellness cafe. Beyond the drinks, the "Plus" in the name becomes evident with a full food menu. Patrons have praised specific dishes like the Juicery House migas and the pecan praline smoothie, suggesting that when the kitchen is performing well, the results can be delicious and satisfying. This hybrid model—part juice counter, part cafe—is a major advantage, allowing a customer to grab a quick detox juice or sit down for a complete meal like chilaquiles or a sandwich. The commitment to serving different dietary needs is a standout feature, making it a viable option for mixed groups of diners.

Operational Inconsistencies and Service Issues

Despite the appealing menu, the path from ordering to eating appears to be fraught with potential issues. Multiple customer accounts point to significant problems with service and operational efficiency. One of the most common complaints is the long wait times. Reports describe frustrating delays, from simply trying to place an order at an unattended counter to waiting for the food itself. One diner noted their lunch break was entirely consumed by the wait, forcing them to skip the meal altogether—a critical failure for any restaurant, especially one catering to a lunchtime crowd. This suggests potential understaffing or a lack of streamlined processes in the kitchen and at the front of the house.

Compounding the issue of slow service is the problem of menu availability. Customers have reported attempting to order several different items only to be told they were unavailable. This experience can be disappointing and gives the impression of poor inventory management. When staff seem surprised by what is or isn't available on their own menu, it undermines confidence in the establishment's professionalism and preparedness. While the quality of a smoothie bowl was eventually deemed acceptable by one affected customer, the preceding service failures soured the entire experience, highlighting that a good product cannot always compensate for a flawed process.

Serious Allegations Regarding Hygiene and Management

Perhaps the most alarming feedback directed at the Juicery Plus brand involves serious concerns about hygiene and the management's response to criticism. A deeply troubling and detailed account from a long-time customer raises major red flags that potential patrons should consider. The incident began with a disturbing experience at a different Juicery Plus location (Airway), which included observations of a filthy restroom, an overflowing trash can, a large cockroach, and a visibly dirty kitchen.

Seeking to give the brand another chance, the customer visited the newer George Dieter location and encountered the owner. The customer's intention was to privately inform him of the hygiene issues at the other store. The owner's alleged reaction, however, was not one of gratitude or concern, but of defensiveness and hostility. According to the report, the owner was upset about a negative Google review, arguing that locals should support businesses rather than hurt them. He then reportedly went on to normalize the presence of pests, claiming that cockroaches and rats are common in restaurants, especially older buildings, and attempted to differentiate between "garden" cockroaches and more problematic ones.

This conversation, which took place at the George Dieter location, provides a disturbing insight into the management's philosophy. The owner allegedly stated that deep cleaning is only performed once a week, a standard that falls far short of industry norms where daily deep cleaning is essential. He reportedly justified dirty kitchen walls by blaming smoothie splatter and dismissed the concerns by suggesting other restaurants, like Whataburger, are just as unclean behind the scenes. This attitude, which appears to prioritize the business's image over legitimate health and safety concerns, is a critical issue. To cap off the interaction, the owner allegedly refused to refund the customer's order after they asked to cancel it, citing that it had already been made. This entire reported exchange raises profound questions about the company's commitment to cleanliness, food safety, and customer service across all its locations.

What This Means for Potential Customers

For anyone considering a visit to Juicery Plus on George Dieter, the decision involves weighing the appealing menu against a backdrop of serious operational and managerial concerns. On one hand, you may find a delicious and healthy meal that caters perfectly to your dietary needs. The promise of cold-pressed juices, vibrant acai bowls, and a full cafe menu is strong. The location is modern and offers convenient hours from early morning to late evening.

On the other hand, you must be prepared for the possibility of a negative experience. The risk of slow service, unavailable menu items, and a generally disorganized front-of-house seems to be significant. More importantly, the allegations against the owner suggest a top-down culture that may not prioritize the rigorous standards of hygiene that customers expect and deserve from a food establishment. While the initial hygiene complaint was at another branch, the owner's defense of those conditions occurred at this specific location, indicating his views apply company-wide. An establishment selling wellness shots and promoting a healthy lifestyle must be held to the highest standards of cleanliness, and any defensiveness on this topic is a major cause for concern.

• Pros: Extensive menu with many healthy food options, caters to vegan and vegetarian diets, serves as both a restaurant and a juice bar, offers convenient hours and delivery.
• Cons: Reports of extremely slow service and long wait times, issues with menu item availability, and very serious customer allegations regarding poor hygiene standards and a dismissive management attitude toward health concerns.

Ultimately, Juicery Plus on George Dieter is an establishment with clear potential but is marred by significant and credible complaints. Customers seeking a healthy meal may find what they are looking for, but they should do so with an awareness of the polarized feedback and the potential for a less-than-positive experience.