Ruby Jean’s Founder: Why ‘slow growth is fast growth’

Founderology Forum

Ruby Jean’s operates three locations in Kansas City, offering all-natural, nutrient-dense juices, wellness shots, smoothies and shakes.

Photo: NMG

December 2, 2025 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Editor’s note: This is part 6 in a series featuring founders of restaurant concepts answering five questions about building their companies. Click here to read the other installments.

For Chris Goode, the inception of Ruby Jean’s Juicery wasn’t merely a business venture; it was a deeply personal mission born from loss. Founded in Kansas City on July 25, 2015, the concept honors the legacy of Goode’s grandmother, Ruby Jean, whose life was cut short due to complications from Type 2 diabetes.

Driven by the genuine belief that his grandmother would still be alive had she made healthier dietary choices, Goode set out to create a space that makes nutrition accessible and inviting. Today, Ruby Jean’s operates three locations in Kansas City, offering a all-natural, nutrient-dense juices, wellness shots, smoothies and shakes. Created.by Goode and culinary lead Becca Pedrozo — with plenty of feedback from their loyal customer base — the brand stands out as a unique player in the cold-pressed juice market, being the only brand explicitly connected to the history and memory of a real person.

Chris Goode joined FastCasual’s “Founder Take 5” to discuss the importance of “slow growth,” his admiration for fellow entrepreneur Pinky Cole, and how he plans to scale the brand while staying rooted in his purpose.

1. Are you or will you franchise?
A. As Ruby Jean’s Juicery scale nationally through wholesale, we remain committed to wholesale growth while strategically considering franchising opportunities.

2. What is one thing you wish you had known before you began your founder journey?
A.Slow growth is fast growth. Taking the time to ensure the quality of the product is checked at each step builds the trust and foundation of a loyal and happy customer base.

3. What restaurant executive do you look up to?
A.Pinky Cole and her work in bringing plant-based burgers to Atlanta, Georgia.

4. What is your growth plan?
A. To grow via the broadened definition and awareness of my grandmother’s existence. Growing our business reach is important to me, but doing so in a way that keeps us rooted in our purpose is even more important to me via our foundation, Ruby Jean’s Foundation.

5. What is something we should know about your concept?
A.It is the only face on the cold-pressed juice market that connects to the history of a real person.

About Cherryh Cansler

---

Cherryh Cansler is VP of Events for Networld Media Group and publisher of FastCasual.com. She has been covering the restaurant industry since 2012. Her byline has appeared in Forbes, The Kansas City Star and American Fitness magazine, among many others.

Connect with Cherryh: