Gorge Local–In Business: Sunrise Juice In Bingen
Alejandra Salazar has opened Sunrise Juice in Bingen. Laurel Brown Photo
By Laurel Brown Columbia Gorge News
Born in Hood River and raised in White Salmon, Alejandra Salazar is proud to add her name to the list of local entrepreneurs opening up shop in the Gorge. Her business, Sunrise Juice, is located along Highway 14 in Bingen.
Salazar, who many know as Alex, said she worked in the medical field for nine years before deciding she needed a change. She opened Sunrise Juice on Nov. 9, 2024, in honor of her father and brother who passed away, as well as her four children, who are her biggest motivation. “I could not make this little dream of mine come true without my family’s support,” she said.
Over the last couple years, Salazar said she began dealing with a lot of health issues, and chose to look into juicing and how it can impact your life. Once she started incorporating wellness shots and juices into her daily routine, she said her lab work results were improved and she felt better, too. Her experience led her to open a juice bar. “I truly love helping others in any way possible, kindness makes a better world,” she shared.
As someone who loves to hike and spend time in nature, Salazar is a self-proclaimed early bird and enjoys watching the sunrise, hence the name of her new business. “[Sunrises] remind me of my dad and brother … my brother worked in the windmill industry and he would always talk about how beautiful the sunrise was when he would be on top of the windmills,” she said.
A certified juicer with a passion for health and fresh, organic eating, Salazar’s mission is “to provide the community with delicious and nutritious beverages that enhance well-being and vitality.” From daily wellness shots with turmeric and ginger to acai bowls and beet juices, Salazar offers a variety of fresh, tasty menu items at Sunrise Juice. She also offers esquites, or Mexican street corn, and personalized juice cleanses.
In addition to her own testament, Salazar said she has helped her siblings and other locals with health conditions: people reported better cholesterol and blood pressure levels, fewer inflammation issues, and higher energy levels. “I have always loved helping people anyway, but now I love helping them in their health journey. I meet beautiful humans along the way that have overcome illnesses with juicing and changing their lifestyle,” Salazar said.
Now open Monday through Saturday, Sunrise Juice has smoothies like the Alex Bliss and the Love Bug. All menu items are modifiable for personal needs and allergies, and Salazar lists her ingredients as well as their health benefits on her website.