Amir, grew up in McLean, VA, and is the founder and CEO of SouthBlock. His parents owned local video stores in McLean & Falls Church called Box Office Video. It was there where Amir grew to love and appreciate how special a connection to community truly is.
He felt there was a lack of fresh juice and smoothie options in the DMV. Soon after graduating from Virginia Tech, Amir opened his first juice bar in 2006 on Campus at George Washington University called Campus Fresh. He would spend the next 5 years perfecting his craft, and connecting with the community at GWU, where they were known to have, almost daily, student fundraisers at Campus Fresh. In 2011 the very first South Block opened in Clarendon, VA!
-South Block opened on a sleepy corner on 11th & Garfield St, in a tiny 700 sf location on the "South Block" side of Clarendon. Amir knew that if he served his awesome smoothies, bowls and juice while spreading those good vibes and making real connections, that the community would support him back. It was not an immediate success – Amir and his team worked hard to make connections and get to know their community by supporting other local businesses, schools and by giving back. They believed that small acts over time could make a big impact! Word spread and the people started to show up on that "South Block" of town! Soon there were lines out the door and the neighborhood was buzzing! It was then that Amir knew that he had to take South Block to other community "Blocks" and keep spreading those good vibes everywhere South Block goes… ONE BLOCK AT A TIME!
Music Credit: A Himitsu adventures @argofox & ahimitsu
