Union Juice suddenly shuts down

Juice, grain boxes and smoothie bowls are all the rage on Instagram thanks to a number of eateries that dole out these aesthetically pleasing snacks. But is Toronto's juice bubble beginning to burst? It has for one local business.

Union Juice, which cranked out smoothies, paninis and healthy breakfasts, shuttered its two locations over the past few weeks. With a small outpost in the Annex and larger one at Adelaide and John (right next to Sweet Jesus), the mini-chain previously hinted at expansion before unplugging its blenders for good.

"We decided not to put any more money into the business and closed it down," says Jesper Wahlberg from Union Juice via email. "For most people, a juice or a smoothie is a treat that some might indulge in one or twice a week, not daily," he notes, when asked about what it's like to run a juice business in Toronto.

A notice posted to the door of the John Street location says the store owes more than $9,000 in rent. This prime retail location undoubtedly came with a hefty price tag and it seems like the nearby condo dwellers weren't ready to shell out $8 for their daily green juice or smoothie.

Although if you live in the area, there are plenty of other establishments where you can satiate your cravings for kale, protein balls and aรงai bowls.

Photo by Jesse Milns.