The year was 2010 when Steve and Alexis Schulze of Newport Beach, California, dared to dream that their passion for the benefits of freshly made juices could be something more—in this case, a neighborhood juice bar that would allow them to offer their signature Greenie Juice and healthy-living perspective to more of their neighbors.

Five years later, that original Nekter Juice Bar in Costa Mesa, California, has grown into a thriving chain of 54 locations in five states. The couple’s love for juices, smoothies and a plant-based diet has helped spawn a multi-million-dollar juicing industry. And that original Greenie? It’s morphed into a full menu of nutrient-rich, cold-pressed juices; made-to-order juices; smoothies; acai bowls; and the company’s extremely popular cleanse programs.

Nekter took time to celebrate its fifth anniversary on October 9 as one of the West’s fastest growing and best-known chain of neighborhood juice bars with two programs designed to show appreciation for its growing legion of fans and dedicated associates. 

Starting Friday, October 2, Nekter fans who share how Nekter has helped change their life on Instagram will be eligible to win weekly prizes including Nekter gift cards, merchandise, and more. Nekter also gave its fans the chance to pay the Nekter life forward to their friends or those less fortunate on its fifth anniversary of October 9.  Customers who purchased a freshly made Nekter juice, smoothie, or acai bowl will receive a voucher for a free 16-ounce juice or smoothie to surprise a friend, coworker, fellow student or stranger who might benefit from a little Nekter. This offer is valid at participating Nekter Juice Bars Oct. 9 only, and is not available online. The voucher for the free sharable juice or smoothie can be redeemed through October 31. Restrictions apply; see participating stores for rules and promotion details.

In addition to the #IAmNekter and Buy One Share One campaigns, Nekter will be surprising Nekter customers who have downloaded the Nekter Mobile Ordering and Rewards App with unannounced special rewards in honor of its fifth birthday.

“Service-oriented businesses are only as good as their most loyal local fans, and Nekter Juice Bar has some of the best,” says cofounder Steve Schulze. “Our phenomenal growth from neighborhood juice bar to a leading advocate of healthy living throughout the West was only possible because of the collective passion of our customers and associates who provide our guests with an outstanding experience. So it makes sense to dedicate the month of October to them and the promise of an even brighter future.”