At a Brampton plaza full of franchises and chain restaurants, one small business proudly stands out: bright, fragrant, and full of life.
At Daily Squeeze, a Black Jamaican-owned premium juice bar tucked away in a bustling strip mall, the first thing that hits you isn’t just the aroma of ripe pineapples and fresh ginger — it’s the feeling of community.
In celebration of Small Business Month, Now Toronto headed northwest to chat with the team that keeps the vibes up and the juices flowing at Daily Squeeze.
Known for its refreshing smoothies, cold-pressed juices, bubble tea slushes and wellness iced teas that bring a taste of the Caribbean to the Greater Toronto Area, owner Marlon Morris opened Daily Squeeze with a love for health and an even bigger passion for food.
“Health is wealth,” Morris told Now Toronto. “Without health, we have nothing.”
When Morris first opened Daily Squeeze in March 2024, he admits his biggest challenge was none other than himself. Though a longtime dreamer of being an entrepreneur, he says what nearly stopped him was a persistent fear of failure, even recalling how he delayed opening the shop for five months after renovations were complete.
“But I realized that if you start, you figure it out on the way,” he said. “I learned more while working in the shop than I thought I’d known before opening!”
Today, Daily Squeeze serves up classical island-inspired blends, from the “Tropical Pina Colada” to nostalgic flavours like sugar cane juice, each sip is crafted to nourish both body and spirit.
Morris says a fan favourite is the “Super Power,” a gym-rat’s nutrient-dense dream, consisting of protein powder, bananas, pumpkin seeds, oats and flax seeds. But for Morris, it’s never been just about the drinks; it’s about creating connections that keep customers coming back.
“We add love in our drinks – it’s our special ingredient,” he said. “We love what we do, and we also care about our customers… We welcome everyone to be a part of the Daily Squeeze family.”
Beyond its extensive menu, Daily Squeeze is all about energy, and much of that comes from the workers behind the counter. Regulars know server Jerome Lothian, affectionately dubbed “Smoothie Bae,” for his charm, service with a smile, and spontaneous smooth vocals. Earlier this year, the shop gained traction when Lothian shared a series of R&B covers on the shop’s Instagram page, attracting an audience drawn as much to his personality as to the drinks themselves.
“I was just cleaning up at work one day, and then a song just appeared in my heart,” he explained. “I set up a camera, videoed myself singing, and posted it online.”
Besides the “immaculate vibe,” Lothian says he enjoys working at Daily Squeeze for the ambiance, from the top-tier playlist setting the mood to the comforting atmosphere.
“From the moment you walk into the store, you just feel welcomed and at home,” he said.
And if you’re looking for the Smoothie Bae’s recommendations, he says an Immune Booster – a superfood-charged smoothie with kale, spinach, ginger, lemon, pineapples and mangoes – with a heaping handful of mango jelly is all the rave.
Daily Squeeze is also giving young people a start. Through a co-op program, the shop offers students hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, food prep, and customer service. Nicolas Guerra, one of the current co-op students, says being a part of the team is more than just a job, it’s a lesson in community.
“You just get to meet and learn a lot about people,” Guerra said. “I’ve learned about a lot of nutrition and how to portion drinks properly. I learned better communication and talking skills. I’ve learned how to really grow as a person.”
With its vibrant greenery, soundtracks for the culture, and a menu that includes everything from detox blends to peanut punch, Daily Squeeze is not just a place to refuel, but a space to reconnect.
As Morris and his team continue to grow, they remain focused on keeping the community at the centre of everything they do. Aspiring to someday expand to Toronto, he hopes to first inspire people like him, showing that the sky is the limit.
“As a Black, young, fly entrepreneur, I want to be able to inspire other Black young individuals who want to step out and try something,” he said. “Don’t be afraid, don’t be intimidated by big brands. Just start and go from there.”