Built on Faith, Fresh Food, and Prayer: The Story of Garden of Eden Juicery

Business owners Kathleen Bendiksen & Karlette Merrick share God's glory through the Garden of Eden Juicery

For Karlette Merrick, The Garden of Eden Juicery originated from a deep passion for health, wellness, and faith. Her inspiration came through a powerful personal testimony: watching her mother, Kathleen Bendiksen, experience a remarkable transformation through prayer, healthy living, and the healing power of fresh organic juicing.

For much of her adult life, Bendiksen struggled with obesity, diabetes, chronic inflammation, fatigue, and the emotional burden that often accompanies declining health. At her heaviest, she weighed nearly 400 pounds and faced the reality of relying on multiple medications while feeling trapped in a cycle that seemed impossible to escape. Despite years of trying different approaches, lasting change remained elusive. Yet through it all, Bendiksen never lost her faith. She prayed continually, asking God to reveal a path toward healing and freedom.

As she sought answers, Bendiksen began studying the connection between nutrition, disease, and the body’s God-given ability to heal when properly nourished. Through prayer and research, she was led to embrace a lifestyle centered on whole foods, organic produce, and nutrient-dense green juices. Juicing became a cornerstone of her journey because it provided a powerful way to flood her body with nutrients that had long been missing from her diet.

Over the course of just eighteen months, Bendiksen lost more than 150 pounds. Her blood sugar improved dramatically, her energy returned, inflammation decreased, and she regained a quality of life she thought she had lost forever. Beyond the physical transformation, she discovered a renewed sense of purpose and passion.

What unfolded felt nothing short of miraculous to their family—a testimony of faith, perseverance, and the body’s incredible capacity to respond when given proper nourishment. Merrick watched her mother reclaim her vitality, strength, and joy through feeding her body nourishing foods, drinking organic green juices, eliminating much of the processed food that had dominated her diet, and placing her trust in God throughout the process.

That experience planted a vision that would eventually grow into a business devoted not only to serving quality food that nourishes, but to helping others encounter the love of Jesus. Merrick envisioned a place where people could come for physical and spiritual nourishment, as she had watched her mother find. That heart still defines the business today. The juicery is intended to be more than a café—it is a space where peace, comfort, and genuine care are shared with every customer who walks in.

More than a Café

Now five years into the journey, the Garden of Eden Juicery continues to blend faith and wellness in a way that has touched the lives of many. Yet, even as the business has grown, its mission has remained centered on glorifying the name of Jesus Christ. Bendiksen says, “I love that every time a customer walks through the door, they walk under the Word of God, which is written right above the door, so as you come in and as you leave, you’re covered in the Scripture.” She relies upon Proverbs 3:5–6 that says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; acknowledge Him in everything, and He will set your path straight.”

Because the café prioritizes quality ingredients, operating margins can be tight, but the juicery has remained committed to never compromising what goes into the food. That standard reflects both conviction and trust: when uncertainty comes, prayer and confidence in God will continue to provide a way forward.

"Trust in God, and He will pave the way. Serving people in body, mind, and spirit remains the center of our story."

The encouragement from Bendiksen and Merrick to other Christians is simple and bold: do not be afraid to live your faith openly. Guided by Proverbs 3:5–6, Bendiksen believes that when challenges arise, trust in God becomes the path through them. That dependence is not just a private belief behind the scenes of the business—it is woven into the spirit of the juicery and the way it serves its community.

"There were seasons when we questioned whether the juicery would be able to keep going, and even moments when we wondered if it was time to close the doors," Bendiksen said. "But through every challenge, we kept trusting God, and He has been faithful to carry us through. Today, we're grateful to still be here, serving our community and doing well."

The Future of the Juicery

Looking ahead, the vision for the Garden of Eden Juicery continues to expand through the opening of a second location in Viera. The juicery has also recently begun hosting monthly worship nights, creating a meaningful space for the community to gather in faith, fellowship, and encouragement. These evenings have featured Christian artist Hanna Hinkle and will include Chris Johnson, offering a peaceful setting for worship and connection. Guests are invited to come early to grab a seat, order dinner or a drink from the café, and enjoy a peaceful evening of music, faith, and community. 

Additionally, Bendiksen hopes to establish a dedicated prayer room within the juicery—a quiet, welcoming space where customers can pray.

Now, as Merrick grows her career as a doctor of functional and internal medicine while managing the Viera location, she continues to advocate for the connection between physical and spiritual health. Merrick says, "At the Garden of Eden Juicery, we want to feed Brevard well with anti-inflammatory ingredients. That is my passion. This juicery is not your average juice bar."

What the Locals Say

Every business has a story, but so do the people it serves. As part of each In the Marketplace feature, I ask local customers what they appreciate most about the business. Here's what they had to say.

Whether customers arrive looking for a reset, a nourishing meal, or simply something fresh and satisfying, the juicery offers an experience that feels both personal and purposeful. The atmosphere is warm, the service is intentional, and every detail reflects a business with a sincere desire to reflect the heart of Jesus to every customer.

Premier Service

After speaking with local customers, the consistent words used to describe the staff were loving, attentive, and genuinely invested in the experience they provide. That spirit of hospitality, paired with high-quality food, has made the juicery a favorite for those seeking more than a quick stop—it is a place people return to because they feel known there.

Signature Favorite: Organic Sourdough Bread

One of the juicery's most beloved offerings is its organic sourdough bread, a house favorite that reflects the café's fresh, thoughtful approach to nourishment. Simple, wholesome, and full of character, it has become a top seller and a signature reason many guests return.

Broad Selection

From nutritious café meals to locally grown health products, the Garden of Eden Juicery offers a wide variety of foods, drinks, and wellness-centered options. Inspired through prayer and a desire to create a drink to nourish the body at a cellular level, the signature green drink, now featured as "The Garden Goddess" was created. Packed with organic greens and healing ingredients, it became a daily reminder for Bendiksen that food could bring healing.

With upcoming seasonal offerings, including summer specials and customer favorites like the Endless Summer Salad, The Garden of Eden Juicery offers more than juice alone. It is a place where quality meets care, where wellness is approached with intention, and where faith in Jesus remains at the center of the story.

At a Glance

— Isabel Gray is a Jesus-loving coastal cowgirl from the heart of Kentucky who finds joy in loving God's people, experiencing His Creation, and writing stories that need to be told.