What is it: You may have noticed some new faces creating your favorite blend of fruits and veggies at
Pulp Juice and Smoothie Bar - Sandusky. Melissa and Jason Perry took over ownership of the shop at 4920 Milan Road (in the Outback Plaza) at the beginning of June.
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Courtesy of PulpThree generations of the Perry Pulp family include (from left to right) Dave, Jason, and Ryan.The concept for Pulp Juice and Smoothie Bar came from franchise owner Thom Knepp, who opened the original Pulp in Kent in 2005. Pulp is now in more than 60 locations with a menu that consists of smoothies, which are made with 100% fruit and 100% fruit juice; fresh-squeezed juices; ginger and wheatgrass shots; bowls, wraps, and salads.
“Everything is made to order, right in front of you,” Melissa says.
The Perrys were inspired to take over a few months ago when they heard that the former owner was interested in selling. The duo own two other Pulp locations, Pulp Chesterland and Pulp Independence.
The Sandusky spot originally opened in June 2022.
Melissa and Jason, who live in Kirtland, are no strangers to Sandusky, as they have been frequent visitors to the area to enjoy attractions like Cedar Point and Kalahari.
“Sandusky is such a beautiful mix of tourist attractions, and a hometown feel,” Melissa says. “We were so excited to have a chance to be a part of a place that we have visited and loved for our whole lives.”
Business goals: The Perrys took over ownership on June 3 and have been working together over the past month to train their staff and ensure that their customers are being provided the best service possible.
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Will WerlingEnjoy a your Pulp purchases inside or take your food and beverages to go.“We are committed to providing top-notch customer service and consistency in the products we serve,” Melissa says. “Our goal is to be the best five minutes of your day, every single time you visit us.”
Looking toward the future, Melissa says they would like to increase their staff into a working family and get to know their customers and the community on a more personal level.
“There is nothing like the feeling of getting to know our regulars on a first name basis, learning about their families, and remembering what their order is,” Melissa says. “We believe very strongly in a family vibe and are so excited to bring that to this store.”
Additionally, Melissa says the Sandusky location will debut some new menu items in 2025.
“We strongly believe that the most important improvements that we can make at Pulp are teaching the love that we have of the brand to our employees,” Perry says. “Because when you get to do what you love every day, it seems so much less like work, and so much more like fun.”
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Will WerlingAll items are made to order in front of the Pulp customers.Family affair: The Perry family knows a thing or two about Pulp, as collectively, the family has been a part of the Pulp franchise for about 12 years.
Around that time, Jason's parents, Dave and Tuesday, purchased their first Pulp location, and “their love of the Pulp brand quickly spread,” Melissa says, which inspired her and Jason to buy their first Pulp location about four years ago.
Their sons, Jason Jr. and Ryan, began working at Pulp as their first jobs “and they’re still going strong,” Melissa Perry says, as their middle son, Ryan, manages the Sandusky location, and their oldest son, Jason Jr., manages the Independence operation.
“The love of Pulp runs very deep in our family,” she says. “We are currently three generations of Pulpsters!
“When I say it's a family affair, it really is. We are all involved in the day-to-day operations and take pride in being very hands-on.”
How to get involved: Visit the
Pulp Juice and Smoothie Bar - Sandusky Facebook page for hours and specials, visit the business website at
pulpjuiceandsmoothie.com, or call the Pulp Sandusky location at 419-609-4920.