What began as a trend has become a solid niche within the beverage/snack segment that shows staying power. Nekter Juice Bar, which is on track to reach 300 locations by 2020, is leading the way.

Founded in 2010 by Steve and Alexis Schulze, the Santa Ana, Calif.-based chain serves fresh, cold-pressed juices, smoothies and acai bowls, as well as a growing food menu.

The chain has 58 locations, 17 of them franchised, in California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas and Colorado. More units are in the pipeline: Nekter recently signed agreements for 41 restaurants in several new markets. It also plans to add six to eight company units each year.

Nekter has average unit volumes of about $840,740 in locations that are approximately 1,200 square feet. Steve Schulze said same-store sales have risen about 6 percent year to date.

With beverages priced around $5.95, Nekter is positioned between lower-priced options from Starbucks and smoothie chains, and high-end juice bars charging $8-plus for drinks.

“Our goal was, for anybody that aspired to live a healthier lifestyle and eat less processed foods, we wanted to make that affordable and accessible,” Schulze said.

Nekter is also evolving its design with new prototype units testing more community-specific décor, areas for customers to hold meetings, and a lounge area for those who want to chill with their laptop and a drink.

With capital financing from Opus Bank, Schulze said Nekter is “in a very good place” for slow and steady growth.

“If we take care of business and the guest, watch the cost of goods and labor, and take care of our staff, everything else will take care of itself,” he said.