A longtime Bushwick business owner is warning that his juice bar could close unless he receives more support from the community he grew up in.
Anthony Williams, owner of The Juice Box, has been serving healthy food in Bushwick for seven years. But in a recent social media post, he shared that his business is struggling to stay afloat.
“I know times are hard, but to be here for seven years, and you know me, and haven't been here once—that's crazy,” Williams said.
Located just minutes from the Bushwick Houses, where he was raised, Williams has remained active in the neighborhood. He organizes local basketball and football tournaments and has built a reputation for giving back to the community.
“He helps people who strive to be on the right path,” said a longtime friend who has known Williams for 40 years.
In an effort to bring in more customers, Williams is keeping prices low and working to accept food stamps by the summer.
“That’s a process, so I’m going to wait and see,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of things I want to try.”
Williams said closing would be his last resort, but he hopes his community will rally behind him.
“Love is important. If we had a lot of that, we wouldn’t be in the situation we’re in in the world right now,” he said.