Keva Juice franchise shop expanding into Carson City

Carson City's first smoothie franchise shop will open in the Carson Quail Park off Highway 395 and Rhodes Street this summer.

Keva Juice will open a 1,300-square-shop beside the Starbucks coffee shop planned for the corner building under construction.

"We wanted to be in a more central location in Carson because of the businesses in that area," said co-owner Gary Thomas. His wife and business partner, Jennifer, will manage the smoothie shop once it opens in August.

Keva Juice, which will have seven part-time and full-time employees, is the Thomas' first business venture. He said they want to open a total of three stores - one at the new Wal-Mart on College Parkway and Hot Springs Road and another possibly at the proposed Riverwood development across from Best Buy in Douglas County.

"This store will feature a brand new concept design. It'll be one of the first stores of its type concerning the layout and look. We'll have free wireless Internet, couches and loveseats and a tropical environment."

The Keva Juice franchise has about 42 stores in the U.S., a company spokesman said. This will be the company's seventh store in the Reno area. The owners are accepting applications now. Call Jennifer Thomas at 544-8927 for information.

n Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.