To celebrate opening day of their new gourmet juice bar Toastique in Woodbury on Saturday Feb. 28, husband and wife co-owners Chris and Andrea Pedersen decided to offer $50 in Toastique reward dollars to the first 100 guests in line starting at 8 a.m.
Still, they wondered, would anyone show up that early on a bitterly cold winter morning in late February?
By 7:30 a.m., there was a line of people around the corner.
“My heart was so full, seeing all of the people who came out in the middle of winter to join us for our opening,” Andrea Pedersen said, adding that while she was nearly moved to tears by the big turnout on day one, it was time to get to work.
By 11 a.m., they had served their first 100 guests, and business hasn’t slowed down since.
“It’s been fantastic,” Andrea Pedersen said. “People from the community are coming in nonstop and we love it. We’ve been running out of everything and restocking constantly.”
Toastique, the first Long Island location of the fast-casual franchise, features a menu of health-focused dishes including innovative toasts, superfood bowls and smoothies, cold-pressed juices, coffee, and more, all made in-house with local ingredients.
Tomato burrata toast, salmon toast, and protein waffles made with vanilla-infused vegan batter have been some of the customer favorites so far, Andrea Pedersen said.
Northport residents, the Pedersens’ bring more than 30 years of franchising experience to Toastique. While Chris Pedersen has owned or operated seven different franchises, Andrea Pedersen has worked on the corporate side of franchising until now. Their work has largely focused on health, wellness, and beauty, with Toastique being their first foray into the food business.
“We love the concept of a natural juice place, and we fell in love with the Toastique menu,” Andrea Pedersen said. “We wanted to create a space that supports healthy lifestyles where people could come and spend time together.”
But you don’t have to be a health nut to enjoy Toastique, Andrea Pedersen explained, citing their indulgent offerings of treats and toppings such as peanut butter cups, cocoa whip cream, and almond and peanut butter drizzle for waffles. They also serve alcoholic beverages including frozés, espresso martinis, spicy margs, and signature “crushes,” custom-made juices with vodka.
While opening week is being highlighted by daily giveaways and specials such as a free coffee or espresso drink with any purchase, and $6 smoothies, Toastique will offer a permanent 15% discount to all active military personnel, veterans, and police and fire service members.
“We are so grateful for the work of our service members and police and fire teams,” Andrea Pedersen said, noting that their support for the community extends to their son who’s currently serving overseas.
To show their appreciation for local law enforcement, the couple has already delivered a package of bottled juices and treats with granola and peanut butter cups to the nearby Woodbury police station.
With the early success of their new juice bar, the Pedersens’ have plans for more Toastique locations on Long Island. But, for now, they’re happily engaged with the new spot.
“We’re focusing all our energy on our Woodbury location for now,” Andrea said. “It’s our baby and we love it.”
