Wheatgrass Express Owners Promote Healthful Lifestyle

Health-conscious consumers can now pick up a sandwich or salad comprised of wheatgrass, pea shoots or clover sprouts harvested that day, on-site on U.S. 71 in Springdale. 

Wheatgrass Express has been producing and selling wheatgrass and microgreens for about a year now, from its 5,000-SF location at 920 71 Plaza Court, behind Olde Tyme Donuts.

However, the move to start offering takeout food is new.

Co-owner Ross Ferguson said he and his wife, Guadalupe, noticed there was a large population of potential customers who were interested in Wheatgrass Express’ products, but did not know how to use them.

The Fergusons, expecting their first child in January, introduced a takeout menu of sandwiches, wraps, juices, salads, tea and a chicory-root coffee substitute, mainly to illustrate the versatility of the products.

In addition, the owners sell seeds and growing equipment, and they teach individuals how to grow their own wheatgrass and microgreens.

“We want to show people you don’t have to have a lot of money to eat healthy,” Ferguson said.

The decision to offer takeout food was also driven by the owners’ recognition of an opportunity to tap into potential catering clients like those working at nearby medical offices and Tyson Foods Inc.

During the first year, however, the Fergusons focused on the wholesale business.

It makes regular, weekly deliveries to 30 restaurants and grocery stores throughout Northwest Arkansas, moving about 200 pounds of product per week, Ferguson said.

The Wheatgrass Express delivery truck is identifiable by the patch of wheatgrass attached to its roof — an idea Ferguson said he got from another local small business owner.

While the business is not turning a large profit yet, Ferguson is happy with how things are going. “We love it, we love it,” he said, adding that he didn’t expect to make a lot of money starting out, but he is thinking long-term. “We’re here to stay. We’re not going anywhere.”