Founded by lifelong Lower East Side friends Cedric Hernandez and Charles De La Cruz, Essex Squeeze was created from a shared vision of bringing fresh, healthy, and affordable food to the communities that shaped them. Inspired by childhood dreams of becoming neighborhood fruit vendors and influenced by New York City's vibrant street culture, Essex Squeeze first opened at Essex Market, one of the city's most historic public markets. The brand has since built a loyal following for its fresh-pressed juices, handcrafted smoothies, nutrient-rich bowls, and wholesome toasts, offering a healthy taste of New York rooted in community, energy, and authenticity.

Every menu item begins with thoughtfully selected ingredients and a commitment to balance. Fresh fruits, vegetables, superfoods, and nourishing toppings are combined through a made-to order process designed to maximize flavor, freshness, and nutrition. Drawing from the founders' backgrounds in hospitality, wellness, and community-building, Essex Squeeze embraces a philosophy that healthy food should be both accessible and enjoyable. By combining quality ingredients, sustainable practices, and the spirit of the Lower East Side, Essex Squeeze creates an experience that is vibrant, approachable, and distinctly New York.