Today's The Day

I mentioned that In The RAW is going to have their grand opening on Saturday; I didn't realize that their actual opening is today! The Mister tells me that channel 12 was supposed to have been there at 7 am this morning. And here is an article from the AZ Republic, in full:

A trendy Scottsdale coffee, juice and dog bar is setting up shop in Higley.

Owners of In the RAW expect to open the store today on the southeastern corner of Higley and Elliot roads in the Higley area of Gilbert.

They have confidence in the area's growth potential, although they are opening their second location in a shopping center that recently lost its anchor store, an Albertsons.

"The area has such potential that should be filled pretty quickly," said Judy Westrum, who owns the stores with sister-in-law Valerie Westrum. "It's a good place for us. A lot of people who come in for juices are animal lovers."

In the RAW sells coffee and juice drinks for people and treats for dogs.

The menu for people includes wheat grass juice, smoothies, shakes that include oatmeal, blueberries, bananas and raw orange juice and almonds, sandwiches and coffee. For dogs, there are muffins made from the fresh pulp of the juice bar along with "yappy yogurt," "canine cocktails" and dog foods

Dog owners aren't allowed to bring their pets inside the business, but there is a patio for man and his best friend.

The Higley store at 143 S. Higley Road will celebrate its grand opening Saturday. Festivities are planned from 7 a.m. to noon. Planned activities include dog adoptions, a dog wash and informational booths.

Valerie and Judy Westrum bought the Scottsdale store, at 8320 N. Hayden Road, in April 2005. Valerie is married to Judy's brother.

Valerie said she and Judy had worked in the corporate world but always wanted to own a coffee shop. They're dog lovers and owners, and found the business concept of combining coffee, juice drinks and dog items attractive.

"There's not anything that has those three things together," Valerie said. "That's what sets us apart, that we have all three elements in one place, and people are looking for somewhere they can go with their pet with them."

Conversations about owning a coffee shop started in 2003 when Judy , then working in Ohio, was visiting family in the Valley for the holidays. Judy moved to the area in October 2004, to be closer to family and to pursue the coffee shop goal.

Since taking over the Scottsdale store, Valerie and Judy have switched some vegetables to organic. Even though they are more expensive, they have developed a following.

"There's not lot of places to get organics because of the cost," Valerie said.

Maybe we'll check them out for lunch today.