‘A lot of goodness’: What you’ll find at this favorite Black-owned eatery in Rock Hill
Mek McCrorey bought into a food service business during a pandemic, widespread supply and workforce shortages, not to mention the daily challenges common to the food and drink industry. Yet it worked. Largely because she has something to offer.
“A lot of goodness in that little green and orange building,” McCrorey said.
McCrorey is the face of family-owned Fresh Vibes Juice Bar at 1675 Ebenezer Road in Rock Hill. It’s a Black-owned, veteran-owned, 300-square-foot drive-thru site the McCroreys bought and opened in March last year. They are the third ownership group for the business and they’ve changed the business model. By at least one account, they’ve drawn plenty of fans in the process.
Earlier this month, The Herald asked readers to pick from some of their favorite Black-owned eateries in York County. More than 14,000 online participants cast votes for nearly a dozen spots. Each voter got up to three choices.
Fresh Vibes collected more than 5,300 votes, or 37%. Fresh Vibes topped fellow Rock Hill restaurants Taylor’s Soulfood which got almost 5,000 votes (35%), and Gourmet Soul Kitchen with more than 3,300 votes (23%).
McCrorey, a Rock Hill native, said she appreciates the support not only from the vote, but from the first year in business.
“We strive each and every day to make each customer’s experience memorable and send out great products during each visit,” she said. “We try to treat them like they are our family.”
It isn’t always easy. McCrorey still works full-time as a project manager for a Charlotte company. The family truly runs Fresh Vibes. Then there was the timing issue, jumping into a new business in unsettled times.
“During the pandemic, just trying to stay afloat,” McCrorey said. “Business has been good.”
Many challenges are ones customers don’t see -- availability of produce or cups.
“The supply chain management,” McCrorey said of her biggest challenge thus far. “Just product, that is the worst part of the industry we’re in.”
Still, there were reasons for optimism. Winthrop alum Charlotte Brown started Fresh Vibes and grew a fan base. Momentum continued into the McCroreys’ ownership.
“Without the foundation laid from the previous two owners, the customers, our amazing team and the support from this community we would not be where we are today,” McCrorey said.
The double drive-thru setup has been helpful, at times when people may be hesitant to come into a restaurant. Yet the biggest advantage has to be the food and beverages, McCrorey said. Fresh Vibes offers vegan and vegetarian options from salads, sandwiches and vegan pastries to detox juices and coffees.
The range of menu items keeps a steady flow of customers. McCrorey sees Rock Hill as a great environment for business owners, Black-owned or otherwise.
“Our customer base is very diverse,” she said.
It’s a busy life for the McCroreys. She loves to cook, bake and create new dishes. She enjoys time with family and travel, when the two-job setup allows. Yet McCrorey said she is ready for more, and hopes the community is too.
“We are looking for a second location, more of a sit down location,” she said. “Our hopes and dreams will be opening up a second location.”
A business that began with a heavy focus on fresh juice concoctions is always at the ready to introduce customers to something new. There isn’t any single menu item that dwarfs all others in popularity, McCrorey said. If folks want to know what their favorite would be, they’ll have to come to Fresh Vibes and try something for themselves.
“It’s all over the board,” McCrorey said. “We have a lot of great options in that small building.”
Want to try Fresh Vibes?
For its win in our online vote, The Herald and Fresh Vibes are providing a gift certificate and punch card for a free sandwich. They will be given to the first 10 customers who come through the drive-thru and mention either The Herald or heraldonline.com.
For more information on the business, visit Fresh Vibes on Facebook or Instagram. Contact is available by phone at 803-327-0123 or by email at freshvibesjuicebar@gmail.com.
This story was originally published February 25, 2022 at 9:23 AM.
