Spring is finally here, and with the new season comes the opening of many new businesses with others announcing plans to open in Essex County. From sandwich shops to cafes to fitness studios, there’s something for everyone to get excited about. Read for a list of businesses that have recently opened and are coming soon to Essex County in 2024.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos | 48 New Street, Newark
View this post on Instagram
Bubbakoo’s Burritos, a burrito chain based in New Jersey, recently opened a new location in Newark in 2024, located at 48 New Street. This addition marks its expansion to over 40 locations across the state since its establishment in 2008, aiming to pay homage to New Jersey’s vibrant skater and surfer culture.
BLVD Bistro | 33 Washington Street, Newark
View this post on Instagram
The popular NYC soul food restaurant BLVD Bisto announced plans to expand to Newark. Per Jersey Digs, it will be housed in a building near Harriet Tubman Square. BLVD Bistro’s menu features fried chicken biscuit sliders, a Southern-style dinner, biscuit sandwiches, and other comfort food. More details about its opening are yet to be announced.
Read More: New Lackawanna Plaza Redevelopment Plan Approved by Montclair Council
Catfe Montclair | 356 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Montclair is home to a range of cafes and has welcomed a new one to its list in January 2024. Catfe Montclair is not the typical cafe, this spot in particular is a cat cafe — hence its name. Customers can enjoy coffee, tea, and other beverages all while in the presence of cats. The cafe is also a space that prepares cats for adoption through social interactions.
Dan + Day’s | 598 Valley Road, Montclair
Montclair’s culinary scene is about to welcome a fresh addition but with a familiar face. Dan and Dayanna Campeas, the husband-and-wife team behind Stuffed Grassfed Burgers, are opening a new food business named Dan + Day’s Burgers and Shakes. While maintaining 75% of the beloved menu from Stuffed Grassfed Burgers, particularly its signature burgers, the new spot will also introduce an array of milkshakes featuring 12 flavors to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Delta’s Restaurant | 810 Broad Street, Newark
View this post on Instagram
Delta’s Restaurant is slated to open in a historic building located at 810 Broad Street in Newark. Originating from New Brunswick, Delta’s is known for its Southern-inspired cuisine.
Dhamaal | 11 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Adding to Montclair’s Indian food fare, Dhamaal announced that it will be coming soon to the area. There is no official opening date yet. However, Dhamaal’s slogan reads “Where Spices Sing and Flavors Never Fade.”
Eataly | 1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills
After much speculation, Eataly has been confirmed to be Short Hill Mall’s newest addition. In the latter part of 2024, the Italian marketplace will be situated on the first floor of the mall, near Bloomingdales’, in the space that formerly held Mercado. Shoppers can expect a variety of dining options like a pizzeria, a pasta bar, a meat and cheese counter, and a gelato shop.
Ellie Mental Health | 6 Gates Avenue
Ellie Mental Health in Montclair is a new therapy clinic that recently opened. Clients can openly discuss their mental health status in a judgment-free zone. The clinic has tailor-made counseling services depending on everyone’s needs. There is support for mental disorders and mental health issues.
Fatto Con Amore | 349 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Photo Credit: MediaScher, Photographer Tyler Scher
Chef Robbie Felice is no stranger to the Northern New Jersey food scene. With the success of pastaRAMEN, Chef Felice is opening a new sandwich shop called, Fatto Con Amore — adding to his list of food ventures. Customers can expect the shop to serve specialty Italian meats + artisan cheeses on custom-made breads as well as imported pantry goods, cured meats, and cheeses.
Milk N Cookies | 43 Church Street, Montclair
View this post on Instagram
A new cookie chain will be joining Montclair’s Church Street business lineup. Milk N Cookies, a cookie and cereal bar, is set to open its doors sometime in April at 43 Church Street. Locals can try out various sweet treats like stuffed cookies, milkshakes, ice cream, and other dessert vehicles for cereal.
Minoru Ramen + Jonetsu Omakase | 608 Valley Road, Montclair
Minoru Ramen and Jonetsu Omakese, a new ramen and omakase sushi restaurant duo, is set to open by SLA Thai’s chef. Details surrounding its opening date have yet to be finalized.
MM by Morimoto | 193 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
^ Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Photo credit: Jeffrey Elkashab, @nj_native_photo
Internationally renowned Chef Masaharu Morimoto, known as The Iron Chef, will be opening a new concept in Montclair in the former Maddox + Musuko space. It will be called MM by Morimoto, which will showcase Chef Morimoto’s modern take on classic Japanese cuisine, bespoke cocktails, and an extensive wine, sake, and beer list.
Montclair Meats | 151 Valley Road, Montclair
Montclair is set to welcome Montclair Meats, a custom whole animal butcher shop opening its doors at 151 Valley Road on April 10th, 2024. The shop is dedicated to ethically sourced meats, emphasizing whole-animal butchery to support local farms and advocate for sustainability in the community. Steven Kim, a New Jersey native, will be leading Montclair Meats. Besides its assortment of meats, the shop anticipates hosting private dinners and educational workshops on butchery, sausage making, and charcuterie.
Only Poke | 6 Park Street, Montclair
In February 2024, Only Poke hosted its grand opening in the former Puebla de Noche location. It is a poke restaurant inspired by the Hawaiian dish — that brings a build-your-own-bowl concept with two options: single-scoop bowls and double-scoop bowls. Customers can choose from a variety of proteins, bases, and other mix-ins.
Orange Sky Coffee Roasters | 6 Main Street, West Orange
View this post on Instagram
On April 6th, Orange Sky Coffee Roasters celebrated its grand opening. It is a specialty coffee shop and roastery. The shop serves up lattes, pour-overs, espressos, cappuccinos, cold brew, sandwiches, pastries, and bags of house-roasted specialty coffee beans. There are pick-up and delivery options as well as an online store for its coffee beans.
Osteria LK | 180 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood
The team behind Montclair’s beloved spot Laboratorio Kitchen is expanding its Essex County roots to Maplewood. Laboratorio Kitchen’s soon-to-be sister spot, Osteria LK is set to open sometime this spring — taking over Arturo’s location in Maplewood. Locals can expect fewer white tablecloths and minimalism than its Bloomfield Avenue counterpart, but the same delicious flavors will remain.
Papaya Organic Juice Bar | 131 Pine Street, Montclair
Photo Credit: Ximena Sofia Bravo
Papaya Organic Juice Bar is set to become a part of the Montclair wellness community at 131 Pine Street. Owner Ximena Sofia Bravo envisions significant transformations for the empty building, previously used as a contractor’s office. With hopes for a spring 2024 opening, Papaya Organic Juice Bar aims to promote a culture of health and wellness within the community, providing a selection of locally sourced and organic selections.
The DRIP | 333 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
The DRIP, a fitness center known for its different approach to workouts, has opened a second venue at 333 Bloomfield Avenue in Caldwell, New Jersey. Its flagship location, at 44 Hudson Place in Hoboken, has distinctive fitness offerings and a community-focused mission. The establishment has a wide range of fitness opportunities, including strength training, cycling, boxing, yoga, dance, barre, pilates, and private coaching, available both virtually and in-studio.
The Hudson Rose | 238 Franklin Avenue, Nutley
Photo Credit: Courtesy of GAC Hospitality Group
The Hudson Rose, a new addition to Nutley’s dining scene, is set to take over the former Franklin Steakhouse location. Drawing inspiration from New York City eateries like The Smith, patrons can expect classics such as burgers and french fries. Alongside its dining offerings, The Hudson Rose will feature a banquet space, ideal for private parties and events. There is an anticipated opening date for summer 2024.
The Juice House | 10 North Willow Street, Montclair
Having established other locations in Garwood, New Providence, Union, and Freehold, The Juice House is set to open its fifth New Jersey spot in Montclair this year. The juice, smoothie, and bowl eatery currently has signage up at its storefront on North Willow Street. Founded by Arielle Cassidy, MSN, The Juice House originated in 2014.
The Kush Connection | 135 Valley Road, Montclair
^ Artwork by Julian Gelbard
The Kush Connection is a family-owned enterprise with roots right here in Montclair. It has an anticipated July or August 2024 opening date. Founders Steve and Patty Steele Kushner have been crafting the dispensary using inspiration from their careers in broadcast media. As told in an interview with MG, The Kush Connection will be a dispensary that “represents music and art.”
See More: Spring 2024 Update: New + Incoming Businesses in Hoboken and Jersey City
The Space | 356 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair has welcomed a new art gallery called The Space. The gallery hosts a variety of exhibits and also is a meeting space to discuss ideas with other like-minded people. And of course, The Space is a place to make art. The Space has weekly figure drawing classes, painting and drawing workshops, and monthly art salons. It is a new hub for performance artists and storytellers to express themselves.
Follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram and TikTok to stay in the know with all of the Montclair and North Jersey happenings, and sign up for our newsletter that shares all of our top stories to your inbox here.
