Equinox and Union Square Hospitality Group Introduce Creative Juice Cafe

NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Equinox, the fitness and lifestyle industry leader, today announced they have partnered with Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group to launch Creative Juice, a healthy cafe concept that will bring fresh, nutritious and convenient food and beverage options to Equinox members and non members.  The cafe menu will feature the eponymous fresh juice line Creative Juice, a chef-inspired selection of delicious, nutritional and functional premium cold-pressed juices, as well as on-the-go culinary offerings.  Equinox continues its commitment to providing the ultimate healthy lifestyle experience to members with the launch of Creative Juice cafes. 

Creative Juice will open in late December at the Equinox on the Upper West Side (344 Amsterdam Ave., at Amsterdam and W. 76^th St.), followed shortly thereafter by the Equinox in Midtown (1633 Broadway, at Broadway and W. 50^th St.).

"Danny Meyer and Union Square Hospitality Group are behind some of New York's finest restaurants.  We're thrilled to work with them to bring chef-inspired and nutritious culinary options to our members as part of our commitment to providing an unparalleled member experience," said Harvey Spevak, Equinox CEO. 

Creative Juice cafes will feature a variety of eight nutritious juices, all of which are cold pressed to preserve the raw, nutritional benefits of each ingredient.  The juices, which are loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, are made fresh and delivered to each location daily.  In addition to cold-pressed juices, some Creative Juice locations will offer smoothies, baked goods, hot and cold breakfast items, soups, made-to-order sandwiches, and snacks.  Creative Juice will also offer seasonal cleanse programs that combine healthy food and nutritious juices.

"We are looking forwarding to offering a menu of organic juices and other nutritious foods that are at once healthy and hedonistic. We feel incredibly fortunate to be partnering with Equinox – which has an impeccable record of helping people enjoy the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle," says Danny Meyer, CEO of USHG. 

Equinox and Union Square Hospitality Group have enlisted a team of food, nutrition and medical experts to create a menu comprised of tasty, nutritious options. Michael Romano, a James Beard Award-winning chef and Director of Culinary Development for Union Square Hospitality Group, will choose seasonal ingredients to create cold-pressed juices with unique flavor profiles. Equinox's Nutrition & Health Advisory Board, a panel of health experts from the world of preventive medicine and nutrition with the specific goal of helping to identify emerging trends in health related fields, will work to ensure the menu items provide a variety of health and wellness benefits. 

About Equinox 
Equinox operates 58 upscale, full-service clubs in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Boston, Dallas and Washington, DC, as well as a new international location in London.  The company offers an integrated selection of Equinox-branded programs, services and products, including strength and cardio training, group fitness classes, personal training, spa services and products, apparel and food/juice bars.  Since its inception in 1991, Equinox has developed a lifestyle brand that represents service, value, quality, expertise, innovation, attention to detail, market leadership and results.  

In addition to the Equinox clubs, the company operates under the Pure Yoga, Blink, and the SoulCycle brands.  The Pure Yoga brand operates two upscale, full-service yoga facilities in New York with 100 classes led by world-renowned instructors, private yoga instruction, and a series of workshops and community events.  Blink launched in early 2011, operating gyms with a simplified approach to fitness, by offering strength and cardio equipment in a friendly, clean and motivating environment at a low membership price point.  In May 2011, Equinox entered into a strategic partnership with highly successful SoulCycle, the country's leading studio cycling operator which combines inspirational coaching and great music for an amazing full-body workout.  SoulCycle operates 10 locations, including New York City, the Hamptons and Los Angeles.

For more information, visit www.equinox.com.

About Union Square Hospitality Group   
Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) was founded by Danny Meyer and includes some of New York City's most beloved restaurants: Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, Blue Smoke & Jazz Standard, Shake Shack, The Modern, Cafe 2 and Terrace 5 (located at the Museum of Modern Art), Maialino, Untitled at the Whitney Museum of American Art, North End Grill, as well as Union Square Events, the company's catering, sports, and events business, and Hospitality Quotient, a learning business empowering companies to transform their business through the power of hospitality. Each USHG restaurant is lovingly hand crafted and distinctive, and each strives to distinguish itself for warm hospitality and consistent excellence. Along with Danny, USHG is led by an extraordinary team of partners: Paul Bolles-Beaven, Richard Coraine, Michael Romano, David Swinghamer and Jeff Flug. Danny, his restaurants and chefs have earned an unprecedented 25 James Beard Awards, including: Outstanding Restaurant of the Year; Outstanding Service; Outstanding Wine Service; Humanitarian of the Year; Who's Who of Food & Beverage; Best Restaurant Design; Best Chef: NYC; and Best Restaurant Graphic Design. Two of the five most popular restaurants in the 2012 Zagat Survey were part of Union Square Hospitality Group.

Actively involved in the community, USHG and its employees are committed to extending its enlightened hospitality beyond the walls of its restaurants. The company supports an array of hunger relief organizations including Share Our Strength and City Harvest, along with civic organizations such as NYC & Company, Union Square Partnership, and the Madison Square Park Conservancy.  

For more information, visit www.ushgnyc.com.

SOURCE Equinox