MEET THE CO-CREATOR OF METHOD JUICE CAFE & THE UNION

MEET THE CO-CREATOR OF METHOD JUICE CAFE & THE UNION
Every month we like to highlight a local maker, chef, or entrepreneur who works to make Spokane the amazing place that it is. These people often don’t get the recognition they deserve, so we like to learn more about them and share that with y’all!
This month, we sat down to chat with Nick Murto, co-owner and creator of Method Juice Cafe, The Union, Seven2, and… the list goes on.
MEET THE CO-CREATOR OF METHOD JUICE CAFE & THE UNION
Nick moved to Spokane in the 90’s after graduating from Eastern Washington University with degree in Graphic Communications. After college he worked in Advertising for seven years then decided to start his own agency called Seven2 (you might know it as the building with the huge masked man downtown), with his business partner Tyler Lafferty. Since then, they have created numerous businesses and are always looking for new ventures.
Method was inspired by Nick’s business travels around New York and LA. He started visiting juice bars and organic cafes and was inspired to go vegan. He wasn’t always health conscious but after making the shift to live a healthier lifestyle, he quickly realized that he had never felt so good. Nick says the shift to eating a mostly plant based diet has truly changed his life. 
As an employee at Seven2, you are given a new pair of running shoes, a fitness tracker, and access to their private gym. They really support health and wellness and understand the importance of having access to these things in the workplace. You’ll often find Nick running or exercises on his lunch break but he was really missing a spot that he could grab a juice or quick, healthy lunch that he could take back to his desk. Enter Method
MEET THE CO-CREATOR OF METHOD JUICE CAFE & THE UNION MEET THE CO-CREATOR OF METHOD JUICE CAFE & THE UNION

He says “Method was set up so I could eat every meal of the day there and get enough protein from a plant based diet”.

After starting Method, he continued to try new places during his travels and got really into taking spin and yoga classes around New York and LA. Enter The Union….

Nick wanted something a bit more athletic and approachable than other studios that were in Spokane at that time. He wanted an avenue that helped athletes get into yoga and practice in a fun environment. If you’ve been to an exercise class at The Union, then you know that there is no shortage of fun. With their strobe lights, loud music, and energetic instructors, it’s one of the best workouts you can get in town. 

MEET THE CO-CREATOR OF METHOD JUICE CAFE & THE UNION MEET THE CO-CREATOR OF METHOD JUICE CAFE & THE UNION

A little more about Nick…

What is your favorite show right now?

Animal Kingdom

Who do you admire the most? Why?

Elon Musk – He’s the modern day Steve Jobs, chasing his crazy ideas with an entrepreneur mindset. He tries some awesome, out of the box ideas, and he’s amazing at all of them.

What set of skills or characteristics do you have that you think set you apart from other local business owners?

Luck. There are so many great business owners in Spokane, but I think I have a unique perspective on things. I’m not as smart or as driven as a lot of other business owners, but I see things a little differently. I’m always trying to solve problems.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Activities. In the Summer it’s Water Sports, mostly surfing and a lot of yoga and running. In the winter it’s all about snowboarding. I also love to cook and spend time with my kids and Bernese Mountain Dog named Eiger. 

Where do you like to eat around Spokane?

Saranac Commons – they make a lot of their own stuff and they have an incredible rice bowl. 

Any of Jeremy Hansen’s restaurants (IPK, Hogwash, Biscuit Wizard)

Currently addicted to Ice cream from The Scoop (Nutella flavor)

Ruins

What is your favorite menu item at Method?

Source Smoothie – add brain octane and collagen powder

MEET THE CO-CREATOR OF METHOD JUICE CAFE & THE UNION

What can we expect from Method/Union in the future?

Continuing to find the healthiest, most sustainable plant based options for the community.

You’re on death row, what would your last meal be?

Japanese A5 Wagyu steak  OR  French Laundry Tasting Menu

Nutella Ice Cream for dessert, of course.

If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring?

1. Kindle

2. Friend

3. Sun Tan Lotion

What is your favorite cereal?

Cinnamon Toast Crunch

 

Nominate someone you’d like us to feature next!

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