Business & Tech

What's In Store? MixStirs Cafe Closing Today

Today is the last official day of business for the Sewickley cafe known for its healthy menu.

When opened for business nearly two years ago, Justin Morris remembers the Beaver Street shop that specializes in natural smoothies and healthy food options was an instant hit.

While it’s been a good run, Morris, co-owner of , said today, March 10, is the last official day of business with store hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“You can only fight the beast so long,” Morris said.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

The beast, as Morris of Carnegie described, is a general lack of business from the public. He said Mix Stirs does have its faithful customers, many he’s grown to become friends with, but for the most part, the number of customers overall has waned from the time when they first opened in May 2010.   

“It did well at first,” Morris said. “We started off with a very warm reception. I can’t tell you where that business went.”

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Morris said he was surprised to learn that has a total of 17 restaurants and believes having the in town eventually did them in.

MixStirs found a great niche in a health-conscious town, delivering an at-home dining atmosphere coupled with a lengthy menu of healthy offerings from all-natural wheat grass and no-sugar added protein smoothies to wraps, gourmet soups and paninis.

“We were mildly successful for awhile,” Morris said.

There are two other Mix Stirs franchise stores in Pittsburgh at the Heinz History Center and the Omni William Penn Hotel. A third, smaller Mix Stirs selling only smoothies and drinks recently opened up in an L.A. Fitness studio in the North Hills. None of the three stores are managed by Sewickley’s store owners.

Morris said his two business partners plan to be in the store next week moving and selling off equipment. Random decorative items from a book shelf and a table set in the store have been sold already to customers who have asked.  

“The people of Sewickley are great,” Morris said. “I really did meet a lot of great people, customers that I’m now friends with. The end result was unfortunate but the journey was pretty good.” 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Sewickley