After more than 40 years, the last Orange Julius in Portland’s Lloyd Center is closing. People all over the country are sharing memories online and saying goodbye to a brand that felt like part of growing up. This isn’t just another store shutting down. It’s the quiet end of a shared tradition.
Let’s take a closer look at how it all started and what really led to its fall.
How a Simple Drink Became a Big Deal
Back in 1926, Julius Freed opened a small juice stand in Los Angeles. Things really took off when his friend Bill Hamlin created a creamier, smoother version of orange juice. People loved it. By the 1980s, Orange Julius was everywhere, from local malls to world fairs. It wasn’t just about the drink. It was about fun, comfort, and that unmistakable sweet treat. Next, let’s see what made the drink so different.
What Made the Drink So Different
Orange Julius stood out thanks to its creamy, frothy texture, a mix of orange juice, vanilla, and sometimes egg white or powder. It wasn’t just a drink. It was a treat with a feel and flavor people remembered. One Reddit user said, “When I was a teenager, Orange Julius was freaking delicious.” That unique mix became part of the mall experience. But even fan favorites can’t last forever.
The Last Store Closes Its Doors
The final standalone Orange Julius is closing after 42 years at Portland’s Lloyd Center. According to The Oregonian and Eater Portland, this is the brand’s last location in any American mall. For many, it’s more than a shop disappearing. It’s part of their weekend memories, childhoods, and family outings. The news feels personal, and it all started with a major loss behind the scenes.
The Man Who Kept It Going
Bob Slayton ran the Portland store for decades and started working at the mall as a teen. According to Eater Portland, he stayed committed through every high and low, even while fighting cancer. When Bob passed away at 82, on May 19, 2025, it was the final straw. Without his care and leadership, the store couldn’t survive. His loss marked more than the end of a job; it marked the end of an era.
Malls Just Aren’t What They Used to Be
Orange Julius struggled as malls started to empty out. After the pandemic, mall traffic dropped sharply. In 2021, indoor malls saw a 6.5% year-over-year decline, according to Springboard analytics. Online shopping changed everything. Hanging out at the mall just isn’t how people spend time anymore. Without regular crowds, stores like Orange Julius lost the foot traffic they relied on. But shopping habits weren’t the only problem.
Shopping Online Changed Everything
People now shop with the click of a button. Coresight Research says 15,000 retail stores will shut down this year, up from 7,325 in 2024. Malls just don’t draw the same crowds. Stores like Orange Julius, built around impulse buys and steady traffic, took the biggest hit. When people stopped wandering through food courts, that sense of shared space faded too. Health trends added another challenge.
People Want Healthier Options Now
Sugary drinks have fallen out of favor. The CDC links them to obesity, diabetes, and heart issues. Harvard researchers found that drinking just one sugar-sweetened beverage a day raises the risk of early death by 8% for people with type 2 diabetes. Nutritionist Qi Sun says, “Switching from sugar-sweetened beverages to healthier beverages will bring health benefits.” People simply started avoiding drinks like the classic Julius.
Too Much Sugar for Today’s Tastes
A small Orange Julius has over 30 grams of sugar. That’s 7–8 teaspoons in just one drink, well past the CDC’s daily limit for adults. It was once a fun treat, but today’s shoppers care more about ingredients and calories. The drink’s high sugar content made it a hard sell in a world focused on health and wellness. Still, health wasn’t the only thing that pushed it out.
Why Dairy Queen Let It Fade Out
Dairy Queen bought Orange Julius in 1987. In recent years, they quietly removed it from menus. A company spokesperson explained that “changing consumer preferences and a focus on core products like Blizzards and cones led us to streamline our menu.” As money got tighter, the company kept what sold best. Orange Julius didn’t make the cut. But for many, this brand was never just about sales.
For Some, It Was Like Family
To customers and employees, Orange Julius felt personal. Many remember the warmth and friendliness of people like Bob Slayton. A former worker told local media, “It felt like family. Bob knew everyone, and everyone knew Bob.” It was a place where people connected, not just a place to grab a drink. When stores like this shut down, it feels like losing part of the community.
A Friendly Face You Could Count On
One longtime customer shared on Reddit, “He knew us by name, remembered our orders, and always had a smile.” That kind of service is hard to find today. Big brands often lose that local touch, but Orange Julius kept it going thanks to people who cared. Fans say that’s what they’ll miss the most: the kindness, the connection, the small-town feel inside a big mall.
The Numbers Just Didn’t Work Anymore
Running a mall-based food franchise isn’t easy these days. Rent keeps going up, franchise fees are high, and profit margins are tight. Retail expert Deborah Weinswig says, “Retailers that were unable to adapt supply chains and implement technology to cut costs were significantly impacted.” For older brands like Orange Julius, the pressure was too much. Without big changes, staying open became nearly impossible.
Social Media Reacts with Love and Sadness
People are turning to Reddit and Facebook to share their memories. Some talk about Saturday trips to the mall, others post old photos or favorite drink combos. A few are angry, blaming corporations for forgetting loyal fans. But mostly, the mood is bittersweet. The online outpouring shows how deeply this brand was part of everyday life. Its story isn’t just about business, it’s about belonging.
From One Stand to a National Favorite
Orange Julius began as a single juice stand in Pasadena. After Dairy Queen bought it in 1987, it grew into a nationwide chain. You could find it in malls, fairs, and even airports. For many, it was part of every weekend outing. The brand’s growth matched the rise of mall culture. But just like the malls it lived in, its time eventually ran out.
Why This Feels Like a Big Loss
People aren’t mourning just the drink. They’re mourning memories. Consumer psychologists say nostalgic brands help us feel grounded during change. Orange Julius brought people together, made them feel at home, and reminded them of simpler times. When it goes away, so does part of our past. That feeling is now hitting other familiar brands too, especially in the places where they once thrived.
More Mall Favorites Might Be Next
Orange Julius isn’t the only one in trouble. Classic mall brands like Sbarro, Auntie Anne’s, and Cinnabon face the same risks. Shoppers want healthier food, faster service, and modern menus. Industry reports say older brands are getting squeezed out by trendier newcomers. Without updates, more well-known names could disappear. The mall food court, as we know it, might look very different in a few years.
Some Brands Still Have a Chance
There’s still hope, but only for those willing to change. Legacy brands need to update their menus, use delivery apps, and meet today’s customer expectations. General Mills CEO Jeff Harmening says, “Brands need to align with consumer values and preferences, and the success of classic brands may hinge on their ability to embrace change.” The message is clear: evolve or risk vanishing.
What Orange Julius Teaches Us
The end of Orange Julius is more than a sad goodbye; it’s a lesson. The world moves fast, and brands must keep up. Health trends, technology, and convenience are shaping how we shop and eat. Nostalgia matters, but it’s not enough on its own. Any company hoping to last must stay flexible and pay attention to what people want now, not just what worked before.
One Last Sip, One Last Memory
With the final store closed, all that’s left are memories of sweet drinks and friendly faces. Orange Julius was part of family outings, teen hangouts, and lazy mall days. It may not be on menus anymore, but it still lives in the stories people tell. For many, it wasn’t just a brand. It was part of growing up. And that’s something worth remembering.