Get to Know…Tom Hennings

TOM HENNINGS, FOUNDER OF THE JUICE BAR

Tell us a little about yourself and what led you to own The Juice Bar.

I grew up in the hospitality business and have been actively involved in creating and developing over 100 restaurants as a founder, investor, and operator over the last 40+ years. In 2011, I recognized an emerging trend in health and wellness and created The Juice Bar to provide the Dallas community with chef-created, fresh cold-pressed juices, made-to-order juices, cleanses, smoothies, Acai bowls, and healthy grab ’n go snacks.

How long have you led the charge at The Juice Bar in Highland Park Village?

We opened The Juice Bar in Highland Park Village in March 2017.

What is your favorite or most unique thing about what you do?

As a kid, I had the privilege of knowing Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy’s, because my Dad was his first franchisee. Dave taught me that the restaurant business is a “People Business,” and I have embodied that philosophy throughout my entire career. I take great pride in the amazing team of people I have assembled at The Juice Bar and make it a priority to let them know how much I value their commitment and contributions on a daily basis.

I also love interacting with new and loyal customers and am in my stores daily, thanking them for their patronage. My favorite thing to do with my customers is to give products away. There is really nothing better than extending a simple act of kindness to make someone’s day just a little bit brighter. I get great personal satisfaction from seeing their expressions of surprise and delight when they unexpectedly receive something for free from The Juice Bar.

How long have you personally been visiting Highland Park Village?

I am a business school graduate of SMU, and my first exposure to Highland Park Village started at Mi Cocina as a college student, where I formed a lifelong friendship with the Mambo Taxi. I have also always admired fellow SMU grad Ray Washburne and used to be neighbors with Stephen Summers. I am extremely grateful that they both extended me an opportunity, specifically The Juice Bar, to join the Highland Park Village community.

Another interesting thing about Highland Park Village is the community of people working in the stores and for the management company. It truly is an incredible group of individuals, and I have formed meaningful relationships with all of them since becoming a tenant. And now that I am engaged to Jen O’Neal, I have a reason to shop at these amazing best-in-class retailers regularly!

What do you enjoy most about the Highland Park Village community?

What I enjoy most about Highland Park Village is the collective commitment to a standard of excellence and delivering the highest caliber service to its patrons. Highland Park Village is a beacon of pride for everyone in the Dallas community, and I am incredibly grateful that The Juice Bar has an opportunity to play a part in that experience.

What’s a fun fact that most people don’t know about you?

I am a Deadhead and have been following the Grateful Dead and every iteration of the band since my first show at Reunion Arena in 1988. I am currently working on a documentary that follows Dead and Company on its final tour and specifically taps into their loyal fanbase and shines a light on the inherent kindness displayed in that community with the hope of spreading that kindness to the broader global community.

Lastly, where would we most likely find you in Highland Park Village?

If I’m not at The Juice Bar, I am typically at Mi Cocina’s Monkey Bar, Park House, Lounge 31, The Honor Bar, Fachini, or shopping for Jen!

Highland Park Village is proud to spotlight our very own dynamic personalities and community partners in the Village Voices series. Get to know our past features.