This week, we’re chatting with Cristina Laubenheimer! If you’ve ever popped into Juicin’ Jar, you’re sure to recognize her. We were so happy to get to know her better, including where you’re likely to find her on a free Saturday morning, her go-to dinner spot, and her dream for a future home.
Tell us about yourself!
Hello! My name is Cristina Laubenheimer. I am the owner and operator of Juicin' Jar. I live in Queensbury with my fiancé Daniel (we recently got engaged on Christmas last year!). We live with our dog Riley and our two kitties Rosie and Ralphie. I love all types of food and enjoy making dinner for friends and family. Most of my free time is spent working on projects with my fiancé, getting outside, or making a meal and watching a good movie!
On Life in Glens Falls
I am not originally from this area. My parents were born and raised in Long Island which is where I was born. We moved up here to the Ballston Lake area originally. We moved around a lot as kids and I ended up graduating from Schuylerville High School. My mom bought her house in South Glens Falls 10 years ago, where we planted our roots in the area.
I attended Adirondack Community College (now SUNY Adirondack) and transferred to the Paul Smith's ACE program where I studied hotel restaurant tourism management. Over the last ten years I have worked a lot in the area and met a lot of people throughout the years of moving around and through college.
My family is small but we all have found our home in this beautiful area. My oldest sister is now married and recently had our niece Eleana and my sister Nicole and I have been running the Juicin' Jar together for the past four years. My mom works for Glens Falls Hospital. My fiancé Daniel has a large family and was born and raised in Queensbury. We rent an apartment in Queensbury but are working and saving towards owning our own home, hopefully with some land where we can have horses and a small farm.
Some Glens Falls Favorites
My favorite thing about Glens Falls is the local small town charm. Each building, business owner, and street has so much character and charm. There are so many great places and events that happen. Summer is my favorite time of year with so many local events like Take a Bite, GemFest, and Wingfest. I’m sure people know, but the local community that makes up this city are very giving and involved people. There are many of us who support and see the full potential this city has and what it will become.
A Perfect Glens Falls Day
If I'm not at the Juicin' Jar (let's be honest, most of my time is spent there which truly does bring me joy to make people happy with delicious food!), my ideal day would be to wake up on a Saturday and go to the Glens Falls Farmers Market and pick up fresh produce and flowers. I’d make my way to a yoga class at Yoga Kayla where my sister Nicole is now an instructor! Or a restorative Yin Yoga Class at the Adirondack Salt Cave. My new favorite dinner spot is the Seasoned Restaurant that holds the culinary program for SUNY Adirondack. I love the gelato at the Lake George Olive Oil Co. For a special occasion, I will find the perfect dress at Minky Mink or any accessories or handbag at Finders Keepers Consignment. When I’m shopping for someone, I love Milk & Honey as they have the cutest baby clothes, nice trendy jewelry, and best smelling soaps and candles! Twice a year, Crandall Library hosts their book sale and you will find me there with three bags of gently used books! I am looking forward to trying the new restaurant [farmacy]!
On the Past
My favorite Glens Falls memory is the day we moved our business from South Street to Exchange Street. We had been on the search for the perfect spot for our business and from the kitchen to the outside patio, it has the charm that fits us perfectly. I have loved to see the changes that the perfect location makes for a business. I can hear my college business professor saying "location, location , location".
…And On The Future
I would love to see a larger parking area for the community! That is the number one thing I think tourists and the community need to be able to enjoy our beautiful city even more!
Thanks so much, Cristina!
P.S. Check out our other recent My Glens Falls features here.