Nataley Davis | staff writer

Jenifer Kotchey walked into the Pittsburgh Juice Company in the city’s Lawrenceville neighborhood after attending a yoga class next door.

Ever since, Kotchey has been passionate about making her own juice and learning about nutrition to supplement exercise.

Kotchey also began a friendship with the owner of the store, Naomi Hoppell, which then turned into a partnership to expand the brand and include more than juice.

Through this unexpected relationship, Kotchey became the co-owner of what is now the Vibrant Sunshine Juicery Cafe.

When exploring universities they could bring their collaboration to, a partnership facilitated by the general manager of Moonlit Burgers was born with Parkhurst, which manages dining on Duquesne’s campus.

Kotchey said that with this new partnership it was important to create options that make it convenient for students to eat healthy and live a more holistic lifestyle.

“Students have their curriculums, they may not have a lot of time. So we have definitely designed grab-and-go options that you can just get something to nourish yourself as you go throughout your day instead of grabbing an unhealthy snack,” she said.

The menu provides a wide variety of healthy options including smoothie bowls, juices and sandwiches.

Many items also cater to dietary restrictions students may have such as vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free choices.

In addition to the food, the cafe provides an inviting atmosphere, painted in bright colors and offering both indoor and outdoor seating.

Students have already taken to the new spot on campus, with groups eager to try out the new items.

Hannah Brooks, a student eating at the cafe, was impressed with the menu and said that this is a unique eatery to add to Duquesne’s meal plan.

“They have a really wide selection, and it’s nothing that’s like anything else on campus,” Brooks said. “It feels more healthy, in a way. It’s definitely a good addition for people who like juices and açaí bowls and avocado toast, stuff like that.”

Another student trying out the cafe for the first time had a gripe with the affordability of the items, compared to other places available on the meal plan.

“The wrap was $12, and I think I could get a grilled chicken cool wrap at Chick-fil-a for a little cheaper and with protein,” said graduate student Ally Veleke. “I think it completely ruined it for me.”

Vibrant Sunshine only accepts flex dollars from the student meal plan, while other options on campus such as Chick-fil-a and Cinco Cantina have a meal swipe equivalency option.

Hoppell said that pricing has been a struggle for the company as the cost of living continues to rise, but they are now working on solutions to take student budgets into consideration.

“At Vibrant Sunshine, we faced a choice: Cut corners on quality to lower costs, or stay true to the organic, vibrant food we believe in. We chose quality, and our prices reflect the integrity of those ingredients,” she said. “We’re now turning our attention toward creating additional budget-friendly grab and go menu options designed with students in mind.”

The ingredients used are fresh not only for easier digestion, but they are also gentler for the environment.

Looking ahead, Kotchey said she hopes to get Vibrant Sunshine involved with events on campus to spread their initiative more directly with the student body.

“Everybody’s been really welcoming. It’s been amazing, honestly. It’s nice to see people so excited about healthy food options.”

Nataley Davis can be reached at davisn5@duq.edu