The Montclair Girl Team 
If you’ve been on Pine Street in Montclair, you’ve likely seen Planta, the new organic juice bar in Montclair. Brother and sister duo Sofia and Francisco Bravo opened Planta Organic Juice Bar in August of 2025, bringing 100% organic juices to the area. The duo originally had plans to open in spring 2024 as Papaya Juice bar, but it officially made its debut in Montclair August 1st, 2025. The juice bar focuses on a plant-based lifestyle menu through a variety of locally sourced and organic options. Read on to learn more about the new juice bar in Montclair, Planta Organic Juice Bar at 131 Pine Street.
About Planta’s Space
The Montclair Planning Board approved Ximena Sofia Bravo’s plans for the building located at 131 Pine Street back in 2023, which kicked off the idea to make her dream of opening a juice bar in town a reality.
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The Pine Street building was a very small house that resembles a railroad depot. Sofia believes that over 50 years ago, the building may have been used as a barn or for grain storage. In the last 40 years, the building has been used as a contractor’s office. The space was empty with a residential apartment on the second floor before the new juice bar moved in.
Photo Credit: Ximena Sofia Bravo
Now, the word ‘Planta’ hangs outside with an “organic coffee” sign, inviting passersby in. The space is clean, colorful, and cozy — with two tables by the windows to sit. (Editor’s note: we worked there for a few hours and it was lovely!)
Given the health-centric nature of the business, Sofia transformed the first floor of 131 Pine Street into an inviting and fresh space for customers. She worked with a local architect to bring her vision to life, adding beautiful murals along the walls, and flesh flowers on the tables daily.
About the Owners
Sofia and Francisco grew up in Ecuador where they were immersed in a world of organic fruits and vegetables. This early exposure planted the seeds of a lifelong passion for nutrition and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. After moving to the US to attend Montclair State University and earning a degree in business administration, Sofia found herself inspired to venture into the world of juice bars.
Sofia’s decision to establish one in Montclair was influenced by her 15-year residency in the town, where she personally experienced the limited availability of organic juices and smoothies. According to Sofia, “I had to go to neighboring towns to buy an organic juice or smoothie and so I feel this business aligns very well with Montclair’s character.”
What to Expect
While a smoothie will run you (with vegan protein) around $12, all fruits and ingredients are USDA-certified organic (and delicious). This means that providers of fruits and vegetables will have to meet strict standards for the growing, processing, and handling of their products, which was extremely important to the concept. Sofia also shared that she has connections with a few local providers that specialize in organic certification.
Photo Credit: Ximena Sofia Bravo
Prior to the pandemic, Sofia traveled to South Korea where they experienced local cuisine first-hand. During the trip, she discovered a popular fruit-flavored beverage, prepared with fresh citrus ingredients and had an option of carbonated or non-carbonated variations.
In developing the menu, Sofia recalled the fresh flavors of her Ecuadorian upbringing and the popular flavors and textures she encountered in Korea.
“I have been researching the benefits of different fruits and vegetables which I plan to incorporate into the menu,” Sofia told MG. She also has created a detox menu that you can order and enjoy for 1, 3, or 5 days.
“We’re looking forward to partnering with nearby yoga studios, spas, and other local organizations. We’re grateful that Montclair is a town where local businesses are supported and I hope my business brings additional awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and that it helps promote it,” Sofia shared with The Montclair Girl.
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