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A new juice and sandwich shop in Wading River was built around a late sister’s dream — and her family is making sure her vision lives on.
Walk into The Eastern Squeeze Juice & Sandwich Shoppe and you might come for a smoothie, sandwich or dirty soda.
You might stay for the karaoke.
The colorful new shop at The Shoppes at East Wind is part juice bar, part sandwich shop and part gathering place, with a menu that includes fresh juices and smoothies, sandwiches, paninis, empanadas, matcha drinks and plenty of creative treats.
But for sisters Arleen Quimi and Melinna Guthrie, the business represents something much bigger than its menu.
It is the realization of a dream belonging to their late sister, Blondelle “Blondie” Quimi.
Blondie was 30 when she died after being diagnosed with bone cancer in 2024. During her illness, she began working through what she wanted the business to look like, what it would serve and how she wanted people to feel when they walked through the doors.
Her family eventually found the business plan she had been developing.
“We took Blondie’s business plan and made it into her dream,” Guthrie said. “Her dream became a reality in honor of her.”
And reminders of Blondie are everywhere.
Yellow was her favorite color, so it appears throughout the shop, alongside colorful fruit-themed decorations and playful seating shaped like different fruits.
“Yellow was my sister’s favorite color, so we see her in every little corner that we have here,” Quimi said.
The Eastern Squeeze officially celebrated its grand opening Aug. 2 after about two years of work bringing the concept to life.
Arleen and Melinna are joined in the family business by their sister Denise Quimi and their mother, Gina Bobadilla. Everyone has contributed in different ways, from developing the menu to shaping the look and feel of the shop.
Melinna also operates A Pinch of Sprinkles Bake Shoppe, and the family has brought some of that baking experience into The Eastern Squeeze.
What’s on the menu
The menu reflects both the family’s personality and heritage, with Latin-inspired offerings alongside familiar favorites.
“We have a Latin fusion as well because of our heritage, and we’re so proud of it too,” Guthrie said.
Freshness is also a major part of the concept.
Most items are prepared when customers order them, including fresh juices and smoothies. Ingredients such as fruit and ginger are handled directly in the shop rather than relying on prepackaged products.
“Everything is fresh, made upon request, too,” Quimi said.
There are matcha drinks, dirty sodas and a variety of sandwiches and other foods, but the sisters said they don’t want the shop to simply duplicate what customers can find elsewhere.
“Originality is key here,” Guthrie said.
And that originality extends well beyond the menu.
One of the shop’s more unusual features is its smoothie bike.
Customers can hop onto the stationary bicycle and pedal to blend their own smoothie, turning a simple drink order into an activity.
The sisters said it has been especially popular with children.
“We’re getting them off the tablet and they’re going to get something healthy out of it,” Guthrie said.
Then there’s the karaoke.
An always-open stage at the front of the shop has already hosted performances ranging from children singing “Baby Shark” to adults singing Greek opera.
“We have a whole karaoke stage where you can sing your heart out,” Quimi said.
Simply put, things can get lively.
“It’s like a dance party in here,” Quimi added with a laugh.
The family plans to continue hosting events and activities, including a talent show featuring both children and adults.
The goal is to make The Eastern Squeeze somewhere people want to spend time, rather than simply grab an order and leave.
“We want folks to hang out,” Guthrie said.
The sisters said customers often become friends, and they want everyone who walks through the doors to feel welcome.
“That is the point of The Eastern Squeeze,” Guthrie said. “It’s not only to welcome everyone, but also have everyone have a wholesome experience as a family.”
It’s a fitting philosophy for a business built by one.
“We’re a big family. We’re such a close family. We do everything together,” Quimi said.
See what’s in store
Photos by Julianne Mosher
Follow their journey
Top: Melinna Guthrie, Gina Bobadilla and Arleen Quimi at The Eastern Squeeze Juice & Sandwich Shoppe in Wading River, located within The Shoppes at East Wind. (Credit: GLI/Julianne Mosher)
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