Several years ago, sisters Shawna Stewart and Morgan Hutchinson met Mira Alexander while working at The Olive Garden. Mira introduced them to her soccer team friend, Rebekah Trigg (aka Beka). They bonded over their love of juicing and funk music. While grooving to songs at Funk Night at the Goodfoot Pub & Lounge in Portland, they joked about opening a funk-inspired juice company. The discussions became more serious. They considered opening a brick and mortar shop, but decided it would be fun to cruise around town in a funky juice truck.
Creating a menu took over a year. The funky juicers experimented with recipes at their homes and enlisted their children as tasters. According to Shawna, “We wanted bright colors and we wanted something that would appeal to everyone.”
The Funky Fresh truck is easy to spot. It is teal and sun yellow with a large Funky Fresh Juice Company logo that looks like a blissed-out lemon. According to Shawna, the truck (a used van converted into a food truck) was designed to say, “We’re fresh, we’re funky, we’re happy.” You can also wander around until you hear funk music. The music occasionally inspires an impromptu Soul-Train-esque dance party.
On a recent visit, I met Mira and Beka. I asked for a good sampling of funky juices and smoothies. They recommended Stayin’ Alive (a winter cold cure), Soul Power ’74, and Get Down On It smoothie. I went into the truck to watch them make my drinks. Stumbling over the front seats I felt like I was about to embark on a road trip. Inside, it smelled like celery, it was loud, and I had to duck flying fruit.
