Tom Wright: Toms Juice
East Village, Manhattan
Unless you’re one of the few saints who juices at home, chances are you’re purchasing your juice in plastic gallons, or in the even-more-evil single use bottle (think of all those Naked smoothies at your deli.) The options for fresh, local, simple juice are slim, not to mention hyper-expensive and typically wrapped up in plastics. Enter Tom Wright, whose single-ingredient, affordable juices are delivered by hand in reusable glass bottles in a business model similar a modern-day milkman. And better than that, there’s incentive to keep reusing. If you return 4 empty bottles to him you get a free juice. GENIUS. We chatted with Tom at length about how the pandemic has launched the side-project into the full-time gig, and to be honest we’re quite thankful for that.
Full name, age where are you from?
Tom Wright, 30, New Zealand
What was growing up like for you and did you have family meals growing up?
Growing up in New Zealand was amazing, I feel very fortunate to have grown up there as well as Mum always providing yum meals for the family.
What meal most reminds you of your childhood?
I would have to say Mum's Sunday Roast. I'm salivating thinking of it. Either roast chicken or lamb with lots of veggies like Potatoe, Kumara, Carrots, Peas etc with delicious gravy to top it off.
Tell us a bit about your venture. What is your role and how did you get into this industry?
I started Toms Juice around August 2019. The idea came from a few factors but the main reasons that got me motivated to do it were : The lack of "Fresh" juice available in New York. The environment, when I moved to New York it was very hard not to notice the filth of how much plastic was on the streets. Plus, I come from a fashion back ground which is also very damaging to the planet's environment. So, in wanting to get out of the fashion world and wanting to create something that is good for people and the environment Toms Juice was born.
How has the pandemic affected you?
Before the pandemic Toms Juice was just an idea and a fun project that I had on the side. As soon as the pandemic hit and I lost all my jobs Toms Juice became full time. So as bad and scary that this pandemic is , it's pushed me into making Toms Juice a full-time gig which I'm stoked on.
What do you think working in this industry during this time has taught you?
As one door closes another one opens. You can always make something good out of a shit situation.
What's your fave item on your menu?
Mandarin Juice!!
Once it is completely safe to eat out again and socialize, where is the first place you're going out to eat at and what are you ordering?
I don't really know to be honest. I just miss roaming around the streets and finding new spots where we can sit down and have a drink with some yum food! Pancakes and a Toms Juice would go down a treat.
Anything exciting coming up for you?
Hopefully haha, nah, yeah lots : )
