From community gardens to children’s books, Chris Goode of Ruby Jean’s Juicery is helping his community put health first

Chris Goode, owner and founder of Ruby Jean’s Juicery, has been very busy. 

Within the last few years, Goode’s business has grown exponentially, with his juices being sold in over 100 Whole Foods locations nationwide as well as spots closer to home, like the Kansas City Current’s CPKC stadium. The widespread growth represents Goode’s dedication to clean living through an honest diet and a desire to spread his philosophy throughout the metro and beyond.

For Goode, his juices are just the beginning. He has also become an advocate for educating people on the benefits of whole foods and a healthy diet. Most recently, he cut the ribbon on Ruby Jean’s Garden, an Eastside community-run one-acre garden. Stakeholders can pick fruits and vegetables in exchange for volunteer hours or “sweat-equity” in the form of planting, cleaning or attending educational workshops. 

“By the spring of 2026, the lot will be fully functional and in a really strong position,” Goode says. “The goal is to create a community garden where you can take what you need. The difference in our model is that you’ll come in and help by picking up trash, pulling weeds or harvesting fruits and vegetables. We want you to learn to do some component of this on your own at home even if you just have an apartment. We really, really want to emphasize a community ownership model. That ownership is through time investment, through attention investment.” 

The garden was inspired by the children’s book Goode wrote honoring the memory of his grandmother Ruby Jean, the juicery’s namesake. Ruby Jean passed away in 1999 at the premature age of 61 after a battle with diabetes, kidney disease and high blood pressure largely attributed to her diet. Through the book and the garden, Goode hopes to teach the importance of healthy eating choices and bring much-needed fresh food into a neighborhood considered a food desert.  

Chris Goode’s Perfect Day in KC

Ruby Jean’s Juicery 

I mean, seriously, you know it’s something that I think is a huge health benefit. Obviously it’s my business, but I dreamt of it and then brought it to life. It’s a staple in my diet and my family’s diet.

Black Pantry Coffee 

The Candied Yam Latte—I don’t know what to say. You just have to try it.

Westside Local 

They’ve got a killer wrap. I go for the kale wrap, add salmon, hold the bacon, side of fruit. I’m a pescatarian, so it’s my go-to. If you are having a drink, the Westside Cocktail is great (blanco tequila, cilantro syrup and lime).

Deep Rooted Clothing Company 

I’m a fan of color, so I’m very color-forward in our brand and our aesthetic. I appreciate Deep Rooted’s use of color, but they’re also one of those brands that have the ability to have community embedded in their existence. It’s not a topical thing; it’s who they are. It’s who the owner is and how they exist and show up in this community. 

Corvino 

The mushroom burger with house-cut fries. It’s out of this world. It’s a guilty pleasure.

CPKC Stadium:

I appreciate the environment at CPKC stadium a lot. We have a location there as well. You’d think this new state-of-the-art stadium could be kind of pretentious and stuffy, but instead it’s like a small-town college environment, and it’s just super approachable. The food offerings are amazing and very thoughtful. 

Concourse Park 

Even if I’m walking by myself, no kids with me, I’m definitely going down Concourse Park’s slide. There’s tons of cardboard boxes that people have left or people bring a potato sack, and you just go down the slide. There’s this endorphin rush that you get and it’s so instantaneous. I think that is something that doctors here in Kansas City should prescribe.

The post From community gardens to children’s books, Chris Goode of Ruby Jean’s Juicery is helping his community put health first appeared first on Kansas City Magazine.