A fittingly hot afternoon over the weekend was an appropriate opportunity to celebrate the Grand Opening of a new refreshment offering in Riverbank.

On Saturday, Aug. 18, employees, management, mascots and Riverbank City officials helped cut the ribbon signifying the opening of a new Jamba Juice franchise in the Crossroads Shopping Center. The store remained crowded throughout the day, with patrons seeking tasty relief from the near 100-degree weather.

During the ceremony, company officials noted the new location helped add to the 250 or so employees working for the juice stores in the Central Valley. And they pointed out that Riverbank is the only valley location that boasts a drive-through.

Manager Cayla Taa-Schmitz welcomed patrons to the celebration, then brandished the oversized scissors that cut the ceremonial ribbon. She was flanked by all the staff members, who took a momentary break from blending those juices, as well as corporate officials, representatives from the City of Riverbank, and company mascots.

Taa-Schmitz is a resident of Waterford and has been working for Jamba Juice since 2009.

In welcoming the company to the community, Mayor Richard O’Brien noted the facility complements the city’s efforts to encourage healthy activities.