KANSAS CITY, Mo. – It’s an area in need of a good cleansing, and Chris Goode has good intentions.
His grandmother died of complications from type 2 diabetes at just 61 years old.
“Which I thought was old back in the day, but that’s way too young to go when it’s something you can prevent,” Goode said.
Ruby Jean’s memory lives on through Goode’s stores. His latest juicery is set to open Nov. 11 at 3000 Troost -- an area in Kansas City many say is the segregation line of the city.
“Historically Troost has a negative connotation. It represents separation and segregation,” Goode told 41 Action News.
The squeeze is on to change that narrative.
Goode’s latest restaurant (named in honor of his grandmother Ruby Jean) hopes to bring fresh, healthy options to an area considered a food desert by many.
It also aims to bring fresh business to an area real estate experts like Sheryl Vickers say can really use it.
"When I have any national chain, retail chain, looking to expand their store, you couldn’t get them to tour or look at the Troost corridor, or anywhere east of Troost.”
Vickers is with Clemons Real Estate. She said Ruby Jean's is not only good for the physical health of the community, but the economic health as well.
“It’s my feeling that if you live east of Troost, you shouldn’t have to spend money west of Troost,” Vickers said.
Both Goode and Clemons hope this new business breaks down barriers and stereotypes, and builds a healthy community.
“No segregation, no separation,” Goode told 41 Action News.
