Hometown hero. We hear that phrase all the time, but Chris Goode is a true hometown hero for Kansas City as a whole and specifically, the East side. With his Grandmother as his inspiration and the heart of Ruby Jean's Juicery, follow along to hear the touching story about how this dream became a reality.
Growing up in the 90s, Chris always remembers how his Grandmother, Ruby Jean, had the special ability to bring people together through her love and her soulful comfort food. Some of Chris’ fondest childhood memories revolve around his Grandmother’s kitchen.
Sadly, Ruby Jean passed away at age 61 due to complications with Type 2 Diabetes. At the time, Chris didn’t realize the positive impact a healthier lifestyle could have had on his Grandmother. This part of Chris' life is what sparked the dream to share this message with as many people as he could and to impact others so they may have a better outcome than his grandmother and family did. His Grandmother and her story ultimately became the driving force behind Ruby Jean’s Juicery.
July 25th, 2015, was the official beginning of Ruby Jean's Juicery's story when the first brick-and-mortar location came to life on 40th and Broadway in Westport.
Opening day was one of the most special days of Chris' life. His late grandfather, college teammates, corporate America colleagues, out-of-town friends, and family were all in attendance. This was no small opening day, but quite the opposite, with about 450 people! Chris said that day was a "pinnacle moment" where his heart for service, athletic career, and passion came together and was the moment he put a stake in the ground to present to the world what everyone had poured into him along the way.
Fast forward to today, with multiple locations, Chris mentioned that the location at 30th and Troost is his "life's greatest accomplishment" because it is something that creates a melting-pot experience, that is so inviting, and in a place that people would have never imagined something like it could happen there.
Chris shared how proud he is to build the foundation of Ruby Jean’s in the same neighborhood he grew up in. While he has seen other people leave for better opportunities, he feels a great sense of gratitude that he kept his feet planted right where they were and now gets to pour into home.
Chris wholeheartedly believes that every single person in every walk of life, no matter the color of their skin or where they come from, health is something that can bring us together because we all need it.
Chris and Ruby Jean’s began working with Ong & Company in early 2022 and mentioned how he "likes the strategy calls, the monthly reviews, the customer service aspect of what you all provide, and the level of touch and the clarity is a breath of fresh air". Our company is proud to know Chris and partner with such a great local business as Ruby Jean’s Juicery!
Contact Information:
Website: https://www.rubyjeansjuicery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rubyjeansjuicery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubyjeansjuicery/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RubyJeansJuice
Ong & Company is a professional accounting, tax, and advisory services firm. Our team of CPAs specialize in helping small businesses and individuals maximize after-tax income. Headquartered in Corporate Woods in Overland Park, Kansas, we serve clients across the United States.