A number of businesses were scheduled to launch in 2020, but just like everything else, the pandemic pushed those plans. Business owners had to get extra-creative in their offerings and we’re the ones who benefitted. From restaurants to stores, business owners have found unique ways to bring their passions to life, starting new ventures, and opening storefronts for their online stores. Read on to discover the list of businesses that opened in Montclair in 2021 — curated by the Montclair Center BID.
Disclaimer: If you know of another business that opened in Montclair in 2021, please email hello@themontclairgirl.com.
Alchemy Scent Bar | 30 Church Street
Alchemy Scent Bar, a store specializing in candles, perfume, and other body products, opened in downtown Montclair this year. As the name suggests, Alchemy aims to be a go-to for customers who want to create something of their own. Customers can customize their fragrances using essential oils, create a name and label for their scent, and end up with an item that is truly one-of-a-kind. The shop offers more than off-the-shelf products: the team offers an interactive experience for customers that sets it apart from the average lifestyle boutique.
Ancient Song Doula Services | 50 Church Street. Suite 104
Founded in the Fall of 2008 in Brooklyn, Ancient Song Doula Services set up its first NJ location in Montclair this year. With the mission to ‘Reclaim the Ancient Principles of Birthing’, this organization offers pregnant and parenting individuals from all walks of life quality Doula Care. The practice also trains a workforce of full-spectrum doulas to address health inequities within the community.
Athleta | 629 Valley Road
Athleta branched out to Upper Montclair last month. The brand known for its premium performance apparel for women and girls took over Gap’s former location. This was Athleta’s 14th location in New Jersey. Other locations include Bridgewater, Cherry Hill, Edgewater, Hoboken, Marlton, Morristown, Paramus, Princeton, Sea Girt, Shrewsbury, Wayne, Westfield, and Woodcliff Lake.
Audrey and Elle Boutique | 47 S Park Street
Owned and operated by Montclair resident Audrey Lowe, this boutique carries a variety of trendy clothing items including stylish WFH looks. Customers can find chic dresses, tops, loungewear, and even candles, sage, and other cute trinkets that are sure to complete any room. Audrey donates a portion of the shop’s proceeds to organizations that fight human trafficking, including the Child Rescue Coalition.
A & M Barber Studio | 358 Bloomfield Avenue
A & M Barber Studio opened in Montclair this year on 358 Bloomfield Avenue, right opposite Tacoria. It offers a variety of cuts and shaves for boys and men. The shop accepts walk-ins, but appointments are preferred.
Bella Noir Studios | 330 Bloomfield Avenue
Bella Noir opened its doors in Montclair this month with a mission to be inclusive of the diverse needs of the community and to meet a need that its three co-founders couldn’t find in the current market. 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.
Boho Beauty Bar | 494 Bloomfield Avenue
At Boho Beauty Bar, the team is committed to providing customers with quality hair care experiences like haircuts, blowouts, highlights, glazing, touch-ups, balayage, keratin treatment & more. In addition to these, patrons can also avail of waxing services, nails, facials, and lashes at an affordable price. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred.
Bro’s Sandwiches | 206 Bellevue Avene
Bro’s Sandwiches, which opened in August this year, is owned by husband and wife duo Mohammad Hijazi and Defne Gulbuken Hijazi, who share a passion for New York deli culture. The shop aims to merge Mediterranean specials with deli delights and create a genuine environment, as though cooking for friends and family at home. The menu consists of classic deli food like sandwiches, breakfast platters, a salad bar, paninis, and hamburgers along with a few Mediterranean specialties.
Butler + the Board Charcuterie | 103 Forest Street
The small-batch charcuterie known as Butler + the Board Charcuterie, from Chef Jeff Butler, went from an online shop to an in-person venue Montclair this year. Many of the charcuterie boards available at the store are pre-designed to help customers curate the best selection of meats and fruits. There is also a customizable option for those who know exactly what they want on their boards. Each one tells a different story at this shop, and all are made fresh to order, no wonder why Butler + the Board Charcuterie won the Best of Montclair- Best Breakout Montclair Business 2021.
Cap’t Loui Montclair | 10 Park Street
Cap’t Loui’s opened its doors on 10 Park Street this year. This seafood restaurant is known for seafood tossed in a signature cajun spice blend. For the month of December, the restaurant is offering patrons complimentary garlic noodles and dessert.
Club Pilates | 568 Bloomfield Avenue
After opening and running successful studios in Hoboken, Short Hills, Clifton, Wayne, Fort Lee, and many more locations in New Jersey, Club Pilates finally opened a studio in Montclair this year. It is a boutique Pilates studio specializing in reformer fusion classes for full-body, low-impact exercises for anyone, at any age or fitness level. Free, 30-minute introductory classes are available for anyone interested in learning more about Pilates and the specialized equipment used.
CM Chicken | 537 Bloomfield Avenue
CM, which stands for “Choong Man,” opened in Montclair this August and is known for having a secret sauce, “extraordinary taste,” and fresh Korean-style chicken. The franchise operates with certain core values in mind. For one, the promise to “always use never-frozen raw chickens” and a promise to “keep the softness and chewiness of the chicken without bad odor by marinating chicken in the secret sauce for 24 hours.”
CPR Life Support Network, LLC | 356 Bloomfield Avenue
CPR Life Support Network offers e-learning courses as well as hands-on sessions in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Basic, or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Stroke training, for healthcare professionals. They also offer training for the general public with no medical experience who require a course completion card for a job, e.g. A Child Care provider, etc. Or anyone who wants to be well-prepared in case of a life-threatening emergency.
Crabulous Boil Seafood | 379 Bloomfield Avenue
Crabulous Boil Seafood is a long-awaited Cajun and Creole restaurant located in Montclair. The menu contains everything a seafood lover dreams of, from steamed oysters to fried calamari. Customers can also enjoy other classic seafood dishes like crawfish, king crab legs, green mussels, and more that are true to Cajun and Creole cooking.
Curated Home & Living | 102 Walnut Street
For Curated Home & Living’s owners Danielle and Michael Zinn, the idea for the store began as an online site, but once they saw the available storefront on Montclair’s bustling Walnut Street, they decided to take the plunge. Located at 102 Walnut Street (previously Layers of Flavor Bakery), this gorgeously curated shop has a wonderful mix of New York artisans and European brands born out of a passion for quality, crafted materials, design, and objects.
Detailz Grooming Lounge | 605 Bloomfield Avenue
Hairstylist Chidi Bang owns Detailz Grooming Lounge. Patrons come for the hairstyling almost as much as they come to chat with Chidi. This barbershop offers cut and shave options for boys and men. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred.
deVine Plantery | 28 S Fullerton Avenue
From starting off as an online shop to moving into its own storefront, deVine Plantery has had a growing year. This Montclair store offers beautiful and unique houseplants, as well as plant accessories like plant misters, ceramic pots, fertilizer, and more. A few of the best-sellers are pothos, snake plants, and philodendrons.
Dry Goods Refillery | 193 Bellevue Avenue
Dry Goods Refillery, the first dedicated plastic-free grocery store in town, opened this year in Montclair. The mission is to bring the idea of package-free shopping to the community by sourcing products from some of the best local suppliers. Customers can shop for grains like rice, wheat, pasta, cheese, milk, teas, and even fresh bread from Montclair’s very own Le French Dad Boulangerie, coffee beans from Paper Plane — all of which are in packaging free of plastic. Customers can bring their own containers to refill or purchase glass jars/bottles, tea tins, and organic cloth bags.
Efi’s Gyro and More | 521 Bloomfield Avenue
Efi’s Gyro and More is a newly opened restaurant offering comforting and classic Greek Cuisine in Montclair. Patrons can enjoy authentic gyros, platters, Greek bowls, and salads here. The best-selling item is the Gyros, and people are often impressed with the generous food portions served at this place.
Fox and Mane Co. | 12 South Fullerton Avenue
Longtime stylists Lacey and Tony are the faces behind Fox and Mane Co., a salon and on-site beauty company specializing in bridal beauty, bridal hairstyling, and hair extensions. Lacey and Tony have been in the beauty industry since 2008 and offer everything from hair extension installation and maintenance to salon business coaching.
Good Bottle Refill Shop | 179 Glenridge Avenue
Deanna Taylor-Heacock, Good Bottle’s founder, brought her years of retail experience and passion for zero-waste living to Montclair this year. The business aims to help clients reduce the amount of trash they are tossing each month. The motto is simple: “stop buying your trash.” The shop also offers a robust selection of cutting-edge zero waste items intended to help patrons reduce single-use plastics. No guesses why Good Bottle Refill Shop was awarded the Best of MG 2021- Best Sustainable Business this year.
Good Chicken | 114 Bloomfield Avenue
Good Chicken opened its doors at 114 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair this August. The eatery’s mission is to provide delicious and healthy premium fried chicken. The chicken comes in three straightforward flavors – classic, soy garlic, and sweet and spicy. Patrons can choose from wings, drumsticks, a combo, or popcorn chicken.
Il Laboratorio del Gelato | 598 Valley Road
With a simple mission of bringing incredible gelato to the world’s greatest city, owner Jon Snyder opened the first location of Il laboratorio del in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Il laboratorio del Gelato follows the original artisanal Italian method of gelato-making in order to create exceptional gelato and sorbet which includes dense texture, superior consistency, and pure flavors. Customers can choose from a number of flavor sections including a nut section, a spice section, a spirits section (yes – gelato with beer and liquor), a sweet section, a tangy section, and a vegetable/herbal section.
Integrated Care Concepts & Consultation | 10 N Willow Street
Integrated Care Concepts and Consultation is a dynamic behavioral health practice that uses innovative treatment concepts to provide integrated care solutions for individuals, families, professionals, agencies, and communities. The practice’s specialties include Trauma and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, and Children.
Jalwa | 215 Glenridge Avenue
Owners Akshay and Arnav Jhanjee grew up in the restaurant business, starting at their dad’s Indian restaurant, Bukhara Grill, in Manhattan. The brothers opened their first restaurant together in New Jersey in 2011, and it took off from there. Last year, they had the long-awaited opportunity to expand to Montclair. Jalwa prides itself on offering a wide range of options while maintaining the traditional taste and quality that patrons expect to accommodate dietary needs including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly.
Jayce Baudry French Pastry | 17 Church Street
After years working alongside some of the world’s top chefs such as Chef Daniel Boulud, and in some of the most renowned establishments in Paris and New York, French Pastry Chef Jayce Baudry opened his first-ever shop in the heart of Montclair. His wife, Rebecca Baudry, who is also a pastry chef, is his partner in this venture. From wedding cakes to French croquembouche, madeleines, or macaron towers, every order can be customized as per the customer’s order.
Jeremy Ryan Music ‘School of Sound’ | 50 Church Street
Jeremy Ryan Music School offers lessons in Songwriting, Sound Recording, and Sound Mixing. With incredibly talented songwriters, producers, and award-winning professionals from the music industry, the School which offers both online and in-studio lessons, aims to give young students an early start in the music industry. What’s more, children can join the Sound Masters camp to create, record, mix and release an original song with the ‘School of Sound’ Band that will be streamed on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Tik-Tok, and more.
Jones Road | 111-113 Grove Street
Beauty icon, serial entrepreneur, author, health coach, and Montclair resident for the last 30 years – Bobbi Brown gave her pandemic-born beauty line Jones Road a storefront in Montclair this year. Jones Road eliminates over 2,700 potentially harmful ingredients from its formulas, making it not only a choice of quality but of health. The collection encapsulates the one-size-fits-all model while also offering a variety of high-grade formulations designed for all ages, skin types, and skin tones.
Kaight | 594 Valley Road, Courtyard
Kaight was founded in 2006 with a mission to become and provide an opportunity for others to become conscious consumers without sacrificing style. It officially opened its second location in Montclair this July. Kaight sells an array of products that range from women’s clothing to accessories to apothecary goods and home decor. Clothing items include dresses, jumpsuits, bottoms, denim, tops, intimates, and knitwear. There’s also an “Organic” section that features everything from jeans to soap.
La Fontaine Cafe | 12 N Willow Street
The newly opened La Fontaine Cafe in Montclair strives to provide quality food that is consistently delicious every single time. The menu includes Pastrami, a number of sweet and savory crepes, soups, and smoothies. Their specialty dish is the famous Pastrami sandwich.
Lexi’s Kitchen | 24 Orange Road
Lexi’s Kitchen started off as a vendor at the Westfield Farmers Market and moved to a store in Montclair this October. The vegan, gluten-free, and organic bakery has been expanding its menu as the business has grown. It partners with local farms and uses only locally sourced ingredients to keep the menu fresh, seasonal and exciting. Lexi’s Kitchen also sells housemade granola, ice cream bars, ice cream cakes, cookies, scones, macarons, and many other baked goods.
Lulu’s Artisanal Cafe | 406 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair’s newest artisanal cafe is one that serves the perfect cold drinks on a sunny day, warm comforting bites on a cold winter afternoon, and everything in between. The Cafe specializes in fresh handcrafted fare, fair trade coffee, homemade teas, and juices. They work with local suppliers and bakeries to source the freshest, highest quality desserts, and sweet treats in the area. There are many vegan and vegetarian choices on the menu, making this a good choice for a group.
MedRite | 50 South Park Street
MedRite opened in Montclair this February to address the community’s critical needs during the pandemic. Through their partnership with the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), they have enabled a number of Covid 19-related procedures like rapid tests, RT- PCR covid testing, vaccinations, and booster doses. They are open from Monday to Saturday.
Mercado | 605 Valley Road
Mercado, which means ‘The Market’ in Portuguese, is owned by the same owners as Sandwich Theory, who brought a concept to Essex County that was inspired by marketplaces where they grew up in Portugal. It serves an array of traditional Portuguese-inspired sandwiches, breakfasts, bowls, salads, and drinks. According to the owners, the eatery values “genuine ingredients and real food” and offers “delicious staples, coffee and espresso drinks, and curated market goods.”
Millburn Deli | 256 Park Street
After opening in Morristown during the summer of 2020, one of New Jersey’s most famous delis, the Millburn Deli, has opened its doors in Montclair. The Millburn Deli is best known for its Sloppy Joe sandwiches, a New Jersey staple. The sandwich consists of three pieces of rye bread, deli meat of choice, Swiss, coleslaw, and Russian dressing. It’s messy, delectable, and is best done by a true New Jersey deli.
Mind Your Beads and Seeds | 147 D Valley Road
What started as a pandemic pastime has now become a full-fledged business for the mother-daughter duo behind this inviting store. Everything from plants to gifts to beaded jewelry to crystals is available at the shop. All of the beaded jewelry is handmade by co-owner Nia West-Williams, while her mother, Sonji West, the other co-owner, can be found handling much of the plant-related responsibilities. The shop hosts themed events, private parties, and offers services like plant repotting.
Minia’s Breakfast & Lunch | 22 Lackawanna Plaza
This year, Minia’s Breakfast and Lunch officially opened a second location in the town of Montclair, in addition to its Bloomfield location. Minia’s takes pride in bringing South American and Island-inspired eats to Montclair. Breakfast and brunch options range from platters of pancakes or waffles, egg sandwiches, and wraps. For those looking to go the lunch route, diners can expect to find quesadillas, burgers, rice bowls, house salads with a choice of meat, a grilled chicken platter, and more.
Mochinut | 349 Bloomfield Avenue
Mochinut is a popular brand of Mochi donuts. Mochi donut is a donut that originated from Hawaii, which is a combination of American doughnuts and Japanese mochi. Mochinut Montclair is among the five New Jersey stores that are gaining popularity due to the Mochi donut’s unique shape and wonderful texture: light crispy exterior with soft chewy inside.
Napoli | 11 Park Street
The owners of Napoli Trattoria moved the business to Montclair from Nutley after repeated flooding in their original property. Nutley’s loss is Montclair’s gain, and luckily it’s only a short drive from the old neighborhood for fans to visit. Customers can enjoy the atmosphere of Naples in Montclair with Italian delicacies like pizzas and pastas to choose from. The specialty dish continues to be the famous rice balls and hotsy totsy shrimp.
New Life Boutique | 182 Glenridge Avenue
Located in the heart of Downtown Montclair, this boutique offers preloved clothing and goods in extremely good condition. There are new arrivals almost every day. From clothes to shoes to accessories to vintage toys, patrons can thrift some great finds at this new store.
NextGen Massage and Wellness | 491 Bloomfield Avenue, Suite 103
NextGen Massage and Wellness offers three types of massage: therapeutic, deep tissue, and sports massage and therapies like aromatherapy, cold therapy, and hot stones therapy that help alleviate a number of aches and pains. With centers all across NJ, Montclair residents look forward to exploring NextGen Massage and Wellness now in their neighborhood. Appointments are required.
One River School of Art & Design | 6 Seymour Street
One River School of Art & Design is a “new direction in art education.” The school offers innovative art and digital classes that have transformed art education for thousands across the globe. Classes are available both in-person and online for students of all ages. In Montclair, the school is located along Bloomfield Avenue near the Wellmont Theater that’s being hailed as an up-and-coming “Arts and Entertainment District” in a town already known for both.
Pineapple Express Barbeque | 1 Lackawanna Plaza
Chefs and owners Lauren Hirschberg and Damon Wise are breathing new life into Lackawanna Plaza with their award-winning barbecue and offering a gathering place for the Montclair community. Best described as a barbecue spot & beer garden, Pineapple Express Barbecue offers smoked heritage meats by the pound, including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, hot links, wings, plus rotisserie chicken, seasonal vegetable sides and salads, and a full bar serving local beer, wine, and cocktails.
Quincy Boutique | 51A North Fullerton Avenue
Owner Alexandra Esposito opened her new shop, Quincy Boutique, in the heart of Montclair this October. This boutique offers basics like jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, and things that are cozy. Alexandra is also trying to source different brands that are sustainable, eco-friendly, and use good quality materials. She was inspired by European-style boutiques, very minimal, but with a little bit of everything. In addition to apparel, Quincy Boutique is also stocked with some accessories and home items to complete the shopping experience.
Serenity Massage Therapy, LLC | 50 Church Street
Serenity Massage Therapy offers an alternative approach dedicated to helping patients move through a wide range of physical, emotional, and spiritual transitions in the most efficient and transformative way possible. It offers massages like Swedish, deep-tissue massage with add-ons like aromatherapy, foot scrubs, and reflexology.
Serket Pharmacy | 8 Church Street
Serket Pharmacy is a family-owned and operated pharmacy in the heart of Montclair, NJ. It offers free doorstep delivery all year round. Apart from medications and vaccines for humans, the Pharmacy also fulfills some veterinary prescriptions.
SevenSouth Studio + Market | 7 South Fullerton
SevenSouth Studio + Market, located at 7 South Fullerton, in the former home of East Side Mags, is a collaborative studio and market space for creatives. SevenSouth offers a variety of lifestyle products from a rotation of local brands, artists, and independent designers including salt + umber, SaltAir{e} Collective, and Floramoon Florals.
Summit Health | 1 Seymour Street
In November, Summit Health opened a new multi-specialty medical hub to better serve the local community. Located on the sixth and seventh floors of the new Wellmont Arts Plaza development on Seymour and Bloomfield Streets, the modern 30,000-square-foot health care hub will offer primary and specialty care for adults and children.
Sweet T’s Southern Eatery | 387 Bloomfield Avenue
Owners Dre Perrin and Tonza Houston always dreamt of opening a ‘soul food restaurant’. It’s when they met Chef Carlos Swepson that their dream came to life. With a passion to bring healthy, authentic soul food to the suburbs in a chic and inviting atmosphere, they launched Sweet T’s in Montclair. The menu offers a balanced, modern approach to healthier soul food options with a strong “farm-to-table” angle that comes through in the way they source the ingredients.
Teglia Pizza Bar | 438 Bloomfield Avenue
Teglia Pizza Bar was already the talk of the town for pizza lovers before it opened its doors this June. At Teglia Pizza Bar, customers will find rectangular-shaped pizza pies, also known as Teglia Romana pan pizza or “pizza in a baking tin.” Owner Joseph Catalano says he sources ingredients from local shops, such as Rosario’s Butcher Shop, and local farmer’s markets, and imports “the finest ingredients from Italy”. There are various pizza options, such as the Queen margarita, Pomodoro, Butternut, Stracciatella, Mushroom pie, and more to choose from.
The Clairidge Theater | 486 Bloomfield Avenue
Following extensive interior renovations, the iconic Clairidge Theater in Montclair re-opened this year with a new look and updated branding to match. The Claridge, a six-screen, non-profit cinema, continues the tradition of screening independent films, foreign films, and art-house movies. It will also be a home for New Jersey filmmakers, local artists, and student filmmakers to showcase their work.
The Gravity Vault | 1423 Clinton Street
The Gravity Vault’s first bouldering-only facility, located in Montclair, is spread over 12,000 square feet. It’s a great way to kick off any fitness goals for the new year while having fun. The exciting experience is geared toward climbers of all levels. The Gravity Vault has special camps for kids during the school break that focus on activities like bouldering, obstacle course climbing, augmented reality climbing games, and more.
The Salad House | 18 South Fullerton Avenue
The Salad House was created with a single purpose: to provide a fresh, fast-casual experience that was both healthy and family-friendly. Owner Joey Cioffi launched the first Salad House in Millburn, NJ in 2011, followed by Morristown in 2013. The Salad House continues to focus on growing its business through franchise locations throughout the Northeast. The ingredients are delivered daily and made-to-order, and the menu consists of sandwiches, wraps, and soups in addition to the famous salads.
Two South Willow | 2 South Willow Street
Two South Willow is the newest residential development in downtown Montclair. Residents of Two South Willow will find cultural treasures at the Montclair Art Museum and cozy art galleries throughout town, fine dining and eclectic international cuisine on Bloomfield Avenue, sidewalk cafes and boutique shops on Church Street, and numerous parks, bike trails, and dog parks nearby. Immediate occupancy is available.
Vanguard Theater Company | 180 Bloomfield Avenue
The Vanguard Theater Company is a nonprofit performing arts organization committed to changing the narrative through theater dedicated to DREAM: Diversity, Reciprocity, Education, Activism & Mentorship. It is both a theater venue and a training institute where, through dynamic storytelling, various programs at the Vanguard Theater Company teach artists theater skills focusing on significant social issues. The Vanguard also has an events venue which is perfect for hosting large events like fundraisers, movie nights, performances, and more.
Vanilla Heaven | 342 Bloomfield Avenue
Vanilla Heaven is a bakery in Montclair specializing in European-style baked goods and pastries. All desserts are made to order from scratch with high-quality ingredients to give patrons the best experience each time. The stand-out items include crumb cake, jumbo cupcakes, meringues, eclairs, tiramisu, strawberry shortcake, and chocolate chip brownies. The bakery also offers milkshakes, smoothies, lemonade, and coffee.
Van Hook Cheese & Grocery | 111 Grove Street
Van Hook is a family-operated, cut-to-order artisan cheese store that opened a new location in Montclair this year. The shop carries a wide variety of cheese in addition to spreads, crackers, dried fruit, candles, and more. They also offer guided cheese tasting around special occasions and festivals.
VeroLuce Photography | 5 S Willow Street
‘Veroluce’ is Italian for ‘truth and light’.Owned by International Award Winning Photographer Veronica Yankowski, VeroLuce Photography offers headshots, branding, fashion, portraits, events, and boudoir photography. Patrons can have their portrait session at VeroLuce’s 1500 square foot state-of-the-art loft space in Montclair, NJ, or at a location of the client’s choice.
WOW Sports Cards | 2 Church Street
WOW Sports cards is a famous collectibles and cards store with locations across the US. At the newly opened Montclair location, enthusiasts can buy game cards like Pokemon and Magic. Sports fans can find sports cards like baseball, football, basketball, hockey, and more to choose from. The store also has special autographed items and collectibles.
