The calendar is nearly flipped to 2023, but it’s time to look back at all of the great new businesses that opened in Essex County in 2022. From a vegan acai bowl spot to a DIY floral bar, entrepreneurs are making their mark in a variety of ways in Essex County. Read on to learn more about the businesses that opened in Essex County this year.
Almost Ready Records | 537 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
In addition to buying, selling, and trading vinyl records, this company is also home to three record labels: Almost Ready Records, Last Laugh, and Mighty Mouth Music.
BOOMCHIA Superfoods | 427 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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Everything on the menu is 100% vegan at this cafe which specializes in acai bowls. The bowls are treated as meal replacements that provide nutrients suitable for any meal including dessert. Patrons can customize the bowls, allowing them to choose from a range of superfoods as the base and a wide assortment of all-natural, performance-enhancing foods as toppings
Read More: New Businesses Opening in Essex County in 2023
Bella Noir Hair Studios | 330 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
This hair salon focuses on multicultural hair needs, with the understanding that many people have hair that doesn’t fit squarely into one type. The Dominican-American stylists at Bella Noir are versatile and skilled with all hair textures, making them exceptional stylists for any type of hair. Services offered include blowouts, balayage, haircuts, extensions, keratin treatments, prom styling, and bridal packages.
Casa de Flora | 75 Washington Street, Bloomfield
Owner and floral designer Maritza Walton who describes the venue as “an upscale space [with] beautiful ceiling pink floral installs and gorgeous Instagrammable moments.” On the menu, there are lattes, cappuccinos, coffees, Espresso, lemonade refreshers, cronuts, cupcakes, salads, sandwiches, and of course — fresh flowers.
Charm Thai Cuisine | 600 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
The menu boasts an array of authentic Thai dishes with a variety of soups, salads, fried rice, and noodles to select from. As its name suggests, the restaurant’s interior is super charming, honoring its cultural roots and creating a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for a night out.
Cornerstone Cafe | 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair
This cafe, located inside the Montclair Art Museum, is run by members of both the Montclair High School Transition program along with Jewish Vocational Service of Metrowest, and the initiative aims to have a positive impact on everyone visiting the museum.
Don Alex Restaurant | 338 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
This spot specializes in classic Peruvian cuisine, including the quintessential grilled chicken.
Earthly Living | 42 Park Street, Montclair
Earthly Living is run by Dr. Ashley Twynam PT, DPT and her husband David Echevarria. The practice specializes in AtlasPROfilax® therapy, a deep tissue massage applied to the muscles at the base of the skull allowing for the muscles in this area to “reset”.
Elephant Plate | 10 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
The team at Elephant Plate handcrafts nutrient-dense vegetarian dishes daily using fresh, unprocessed ingredients and super-charged recipes. The meals take less than five minutes to heat and eat. The team sources in-season ingredients from local producers as much as possible
Goddard School | 2 Seymour Street, Montclair
The Goddard School serves children aged six weeks to six years old, and uses current, academically endorsed methods to ensure that children have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life.
Haus of Hilights | 212 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
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This salon offers both a premium salon experience and a curated boutique shopping opportunity.
Hamburguesa | 706 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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The story of Hamburguesa dates back to 20 years ago, when the restaurant’s founder, Antonio, was still living in Mexico City. At the time, Antonio was selling burgers out of a food cart in the city streets, and he would routinely play Spanish rock from inside the cart. The Hamburguesa menu is expansive, with a variety of unique burger offerings. “La Hawaiiana,” for example, is a medley of beef, cheese, and pineapple, while “La Suiza” is a triple-meat powerhouse with ham, bacon, and beef.
Impress Nails | 716 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
This nail salon is located in downtown Montclair and offers a full range of nail services.
Illuminate Food | 113 Grove Street, Montclair
Illuminate Food was founded by Danielle Schwab in April 2020. Prior to opening the business, she started a blog called Illuminate Supply Chains which helped educate readers about where food comes from and how to understand various food labels. Now, through Illuminate Food, she is able to continue her mission by delivering local produce and products directly from farms and makers to its customers.
Italee’s Kitchen | 148 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
This Jamaican spot offers Caribbean cuisine to eat in-house, to go, or for catering. Island classics like festival, oxtail, coco bread, and beef patties are available.
J. McLaughlin | 219 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair
The Montclair location is unique in terms of the store’s design and layout, but still has a “distinctive flair of color and signature portfolio of prints” seen in the other locations. The modern classic American brand will have the latest seasonal collections, the usual chic clothing for men and women, outerwear, and accessories.
Just for Kids Cuts | 26 S. Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
This salon specializes in cuts and styles for kids, including braids and updos. The stylists are trained in working with young clients, and the salon’s atmosphere is fun and upbeat.
Jeff + Torri Real Estate | 7 North Willow Street, Suite 7A, Montclair
This couple combines their experience in business and counseling to help prospective buyers make the best decisions when it comes to real estate.
Kreme + Krumbs | 147 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
This woman- and Black-owned shop is popular for the ‘Kremewhich’ — an ice cream sandwich that consists of both ice cream and cake with a variety of flavors to pick from. Also known for its ‘Over The MOOn’ ice cream, Kreme and Krumbs has offered flavors like Peanutbutta Milk and Kookies, Junk Kreme (vanilla ice cream, brownie chunks, caramel, and salted pretzels), and its version of Rocky Road called Jersey Turnpike.
Lenore King Luxury Interiors | 18-20 Lackawanna Plaza, Suite Montclair
Principal designer Toraé has a background in fashion and event planning. The company’s clientele includes new home builds, custom homes, renovations, model homes and apartments, and remodels.
Los Hermano’s Mexican Grill | 190C Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Classic Mexican flavors available for breakfast and lunch.
Mad for Chicken | 221 Market Street, Newark
This Korean fried chicken spot is known for its classic soy-garlic flavors. The menu inclues the signature chicken plus fusion items like nachos made with Korean fried chicken.
Mirage Spa | 519 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
This spa offers foot and body massages.
Madison Reed Color Bar | 374 Bloomfield Avenue, Unit 3 ,Montclair
This hair salon specializes in both in-salon services and helping customers get professional hair coloring products to use at home.
Mystic Lobster Roll Co. | 145 Valley Road, Montclair
Everything on the menu is lobster-based. There are classic Maine, New England, and Connecticut-style rolls. Then, there are the specialty rolls and lobster tacos. For example, the Hawaiian is a roll made of fresh lobster with mango caviar, coconut mayo, and fresh coconut
Nami Nori | 378 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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Nami Nori is a temaki bar specializing in open-style sushi hand rolls. The menu is full of classic temaki options as well as updated twists and even a vegan specialty menu. What’s more, everything on the menu at Nami Nori is also gluten-free.
Organic Sun Market | 108 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
This gourmet market stocks only the best stuff — vegan, cruelty-free, and organic products. From pre-made foods to snacks to grocery items to household goods, this store’s selection makes it easy to make more conscious choices when shopping.
Porta Montclair | 499 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Porta’s motto is “Eat, drink, be honest” which rings true to locals who frequent the locations for brick oven pizza, craft cocktails, live music, rooftop views, and an overall great time. The industrial-style vintage aesthetic with raw brick walls, wines served in water glasses, and mismatched chairs are all a part of Porta’s charm.
Poke 360 | 360 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
This fast-casual spot offers poke bowls, soup, salads, milk teas, and more.
Rose Gold Wellness, LLC | 39 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Rose Gold Wellness is an integrative wellness clinic specializing in emotional, physical, and spiritual healing through acupuncture, herbal therapy, medical nutrition therapy (MNT), reiki, massage therapy, infrared sauna, and more.
Roux Royale Beauty Bar | 460 Bloomfield Avenue, Suite 208, Montclair
This boutique spa offers services like teeth whitening, body contouring, and massages.
Ripping Strips + Popping Zits | 408 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Owner Francesca Hahn-Galioto wanted to create a space where clients could feel comfortable in their own skin while receiving aesthetic treatments as well as learn more about how to care for their skin. Francesca holds several certifications, including being a Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics and Cosmetology Alumni; SkinScriptRx Certified; and a Barbicide Community Health Ambassador.
Santokh Yoga | 18 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
The studio has two large practice studios — including a hot yoga room — as well as an infrared sauna, shower rooms, a lounge area, and more. Santokh aims to be a space for everyone to come together to merge mind, body, and soul in a safe + welcoming atmosphere.
Stuff by SJ | 342 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Stuff by SJ is a woman-owned, small business run by owner Sarah Jean Miller, known as SJ. This designer and confection artist worked in retail before venturing into the baking world, so the bakery has a special emphasis on providing high-quality customer service in addition to the baked goods.
SM Design Center | 218 Bloomfield Avenue, Unit C, Montclair
Sherrica McDonald Design Center specializes in providing kitchen, bath and closet design services to homeowners, investors, property managers, and private clients looking to renovate their residence, commercial property, and rental dwelling.
Sugarcoat by Bella Noir | 334 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
A boutique nail salon that is the sister business to Bella Noir hair salon.
Spidey’s House | 133 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
This boutique gym offers Kickboxing, Cardio Kickboxing, Boxing, Cardio Boxing, and Strength and Conditioning Classes. Founder Dwayne Holman Jr. is a Montclair native and recently won the ISKA North America World Champion Belt.
The Montclair Juicerie | 292 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
The Montclair Juicerie offers smoothies and juices carefully blended to support each person’s unique wellness goals.
The Ties at Woodford Hall | 4 Woodhull Avenue, Little Falls
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The Ties offers an eclectic variety of food, from traditional bar fare to Eastern and Western European specialty dishes. The space is also a live music venue, and you can catch acts from Friday through Sunday. The catering hall is available for awards dinners, reunions, graduations, Christenings, weddings, fundraisers, and more.
The Whole You Detox Spa Boutique | 230 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Owner Pamela Odom is a certified wellness coach through the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute. The Spa focuses on detoxing treatments and massages.
The Vestry | 147 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
This residential collection offers studio, one- and two-bedroom options, and amenities include a rooftop terrace, an outdoor kitchen, and a residents lounge. The residences are both dog and cat friendly, and the entire community is surrounded by green space that is perfect for a pet.
Tino’s Artisan Pizza | 250 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair
Tino’s Artisan Pizza was founded in 1999 with a mission to bring “the most delicious home-style food with fresh, organic ingredients and the time-honored method of terra cotta oven cooking.” To ensure high-quality ingredients, Tino’s has partnered with various businesses across the country including Hudson Bread in North Bergen, NJ, Shore Seafood in Saxis, VA, Cannoli Factory in Long Island, NY, and N’duja Artisans in Chicago, IL.
See More: New Businesses Opening in Hudson County in 2023
Vesa Brides | 408 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
The family-run bridal boutique is owned and operated by mother and daughter Elsa and Veronica Castro. The boutique will cater to brides with personal private appointments. In addition to bridal gowns, the store carries a full line of bridal accessories, engagement dresses, and Mother of the Bride gowns. Customers will be able to stop in for in-house alterations as well.
World Flats | 58 Church Street, Montclair
The menu at worldFLATS features 11 varieties of flatbreads inspired by cuisine + spices from around the world, soups, salads, and desserts. Consistent fan favorites are the Roma, Athena, and Rio Grande flatbreads. The restaurant aims to help more people choose to include plant-based meals in their regular routine.
