A new vegan juice bar, by the name of Be Free, opened Aug. 19 in downtown Homewood. The juice bar opened the day of the Homewood block party, where they received more than 150 orders.

Be Free is co-owned by mother Shirline Davis, daughter Tonina Davis, daughter Naem Davis and daughter Nasya Davis. They live in Flossmoor and decided to open in Homewood for its quality location.

“This location is pretty prime, it’s right by the train and right in the middle of everything,” Tonina said.

This family decided to turn vegan because of the healthy alternatives that seem appetizing to them. They also recognized all of the nutritional values of many foods since being in the food business.

“Being free just comes from transforming your life. I’ve been on a weight loss journey and I lost 85 lbs so far from being vegan. My sister Naem lost 100 lbs,” Tonina said.

Junior Trishaun Sutton works at Be Free and has experienced some minor weight loss just after about two months of being vegan. Sutton plays basketball and baseball and he has lost 8 lbs, which has caused him to be able to run faster and jump higher.

“I’ve definitely gotten healthier. I can tell because if I was on my regular diet I wouldn’t have enough energy to come here on a day to day basis,” Sutton said.

Sutton and Tonina both love the menu options. The best dishes according to Tonina are the “Slammin Ham and Cheese Vegan Hoagie” and the “Acai bowls.”

“My favorite item on the menu would have to be the Less Chill. It’s the perfect combination of mint, coconut milk, day syrup, and bananas,” Sutton said.

Sophomore Jade Fuentes went to Be Free and ate an Earth Shake that consisted of: coconut milk, mangos, bananas, pineapples, and peaches. Fuentes liked the decor, but said she wished it was more tidy.

“I enjoyed the art that was scattered about in the place. I was especially drawn to the wall with flowers that was behind the record player. Speaking of which, you could even pick records to be played,” Fuentes said.

Fuentes isn’t personally going vegan anytime soon, but she likes the options being brought to Homewood to open up a variety.

“I think it’s great to have this option in Homewood and to be around people who have the same interests in being vegan. I think it somewhat narrows their customers a bit when it comes to food, but overall I think it’s a great start to a healthy movement,” Fuentes said.