Juicy Lucy's: Serving Your Taste of Summer

Now that summer is here (finally!), it means one thing: we can look forward to picky bit dinners, evenings in the pub garden with friends and finding any excuse for an ice cream!

For me, summer is all about celebrating fresh flavours, bright colours and endless sunshine (think tropical smoothies, fruit bowls and flavoursome salads).

One food truck that has taken the local independent food scene by celebrating the beauty of luscious flavours is Juicy Lucy’s.

Whether you fancy a crisp juice, a refreshing smoothie, or an indulgent Acai bowl that looks too good to heat, Juicy Lucy’s is guaranteed to serve the ultimate taste of summer (or even transport you to your favourite holiday destination!).

I caught up with Lucy to discover the journey of Juicy Lucy’s, the inspiration behind her incredible menu and her plans for the future!

What inspired you to launch Juicy Lucy’s?

I left my hospitality job to travel around Thailand and Australia for a year, which is where I first discovered açai.

I’ve always been passionate about wellness and nutrition, and I realised that back home in Norfolk it was difficult to find healthy food options when you’re out and about. That’s what inspired me to create my own business.

I’d always known I wanted to work for myself, so when I came back, starting it just felt like the natural next step.

The response so far has been amazing. It’s something new and exciting for Norfolk, and people are really loving the combination of nutritious food that also looks aesthetically pleasing. It’s been great to see such a positive reaction and build a community around healthy eating.

Where do you look for inspiration for your menu?

I got so much inspiration from my travels, and just from the food and drink I love making myself at home.

Originally, I had plans for a much bigger menu, but because I’m working with limited space in my trailer, I decided to keep things simple to begin with.

It’s been a great way to focus on doing a few things really well, but there are definitely lots of exciting new menu ideas and additions coming soon.

What impact do you aim to have on those that visit Juicy Lucy’s?

The main impact I hope to have on people who buy my products is encouraging healthier choices.

I love knowing that people are choosing something nutritious that will fuel their day and benefit their bodies in a positive way.

Describe Juicy Lucy's in three words!

Nutritious, fresh, vibrant!

Describe the process of converting your trailer into your business!

The process of converting my trailer into my business was honestly long and challenging.

Because I bought it second-hand, I had to start from scratch and slowly turn it into my vision. There were also a lot of hidden costs that I hadn’t initially considered, which added to the journey.

As with most things, it wasn’t straightforward, and there were plenty of problems to solve along the way. Renovating a trailer in the winter made it even more difficult — trying to paint in constant rain and waiting for rare dry, sunny days was definitely a challenge.

Even now, there are still small things I want to change or update, but I’ve realised there will always be something to improve. The main foundation is in place, and the smaller additions can come over time as the business continues to grow.

What do you enjoy most about having a trailer (compared to a shop/café)?

I think the best part about having a trailer is the freedom that comes with it.

I can take it to different events and markets, and I’ve even had people ask me to cater at their own events, which still feels surreal.

Being mobile means I can bring my products to different areas and reach a much wider audience.

The health, wellbeing and fitness industry in Norwich is becoming increasingly popular, with people beginning to choose to go out for a run and coffee/ brunch instead of out for drinks. What do you love most about this industry in Norwich (and what do you love most about your business being part of this changing scene)?

I love that people are taking their wellbeing more seriously now.

It’s really special to be part of that journey with the community and to offer an option that allows people to eat out while still feeling good about their choices.

It means a lot to be able to support those moments where people are out enjoying weekends at markets or festivals, and knowing I can provide food that’s both enjoyable and genuinely nutritious.

What do you love most about attending local markets (connecting with local businesses, etc)?

The thing I enjoy the most about being part of the local markets is getting to know the catering trailer community.

Everyone I’ve met along the way has been so welcoming, supportive, and happy to help. We’re always sharing tips, recommending future events, and helping each other out.

It’s reassuring to be surrounded by people who understand the ups and downs of running a small business, because most of the time someone else has already experienced the same challenges and can offer advice.

What do you hope to achieve this year?

I think I’ve already achieved my main goal for this year, which was starting my own business.

So many people dream about doing it but actually taking the leap and making it happen feels like a huge achievement in itself.

The fact that the business has already seen such positive growth and success in the short time it’s been open is an added bonus. I have so many more goals I want to accomplish, but knowing I took the risk and that it’s worked out makes me feel like I’ve achieved what I set out to do this year!

To keep up to date with the fantastic work of Juicy Lucy’s, you can head to their Instagram (@juicy.lucys_)!