Juiced., a staple of downtown Hallowell for more than a decade, will close Jan. 17.

The owners of the juice and smoothie bar, mother-son duo Barbara Niccoli-Hiltz and Jeremy Ashlock, announced on Facebook early this month that “factors related to the sale of our building and its rising rents” had forced them into closing.

The health-focused café opened in May 2014.

“Almost 12 years ago, we set out to start Juiced. based on the core principle that healthy food should be an accessible and affordable option in the Central Maine area,” the post said. “For 12 years, with the steadfast support of our community, our employees, our friends, and of course our customers, we have been able to deliver on that core principle, and have been delighted to do so. We are thankful to everyone who has helped us get the business to where it is.”

The last publicized sale of the historic downtown building came in 2023, when John Hathaway, CEO of Shucks Maine Lobster in Richmond, bought it for $2.4 million. The building had been listed for about $2.5 million as recently as October.

The two posted on Facebook in June searching for people interested in taking over the business — “someone with new energy and fresh ideas.” No takeover proposal materialized.

The owners said in the closing announcement that they still hoped to sell the business and transition operation of the business to a new group.

“It isn’t a decision that we’re particularly excited to announce — we were hoping to sell the business and transition it to a new ownership group to continue this legacy of healthy options,” the post said.

People interested in taking over the business were encouraged to reach out at [email protected].