We’re one month into the summer season, and with the warmer weather 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.
16 Handles | 42 South Park Street, Montclair
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This frozen dessert spot opened up a Montclair location on May 11th. 16 Handles is no rookie when it comes to frozen yogurt, as the first store opened up in Manhattan’s East Village in 2008. Since then, the brand has branched out with over 30 locations across the United States. The menu consists of frozen yogurt, ice cream, toppings, drinks, and other treats, as well as vegan options.
Bubbakoo’s Burritos | 48 New Street, Newark
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Bubbakoo’s Burritos, a burrito chain based in New Jersey, is opening 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
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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: Where to Get the Best Greek Food in Montclair + Beyond
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
Earlier this spring, Montclair’s culinary scene welcomed a fresh addition with a familiar face. Dan and Dayanna Campeas, the husband-and-wife team behind Stuffed Grassfed Burgers, opened 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 also introduced an array of milkshakes featuring 12 flavors to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Delta’s Restaurant | 810 Broad Street, Newark
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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 opened up on South Fullerton back in May. The restaurant’s slogan reads “Where Spices Sing and Flavors Never Fade”, and the vibrant restaurant serves up a fuse of traditional dishes from traditional Indian culture with the American food vernacular to make any patron feel comfortable.
The DRIP | 333 Bloomfield Avenue Suite 303, 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.
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 Suite 3B
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.
Grande Buddha Izakaya | 11 Bloomfield Avenue, North Caldwell
Local sushi connoisseurs are likely familiar with Umai, a premium omakase spot in Verona. It’s become a staple for its high-quality fish and Manhattan-grade experience. Owner Allen Perchonok is at it again with his latest restaurant, Grande Buddha Izakaya. The restaurant brings patrons all the fresh flavors they love about Umai, combining an elevated ambiance, an expanded menu of hot dishes, and a cocktail list.
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 on August 2nd. Drawing inspiration from New York City eateries like The Smith, patrons can expect classics such as burgers and french fries. Alongside its dining options, The Hudson Rose will feature a banquet space, ideal for private parties and events.
Java Love | 39 Glenridge Avenue
Java Love is not new to Montclair — the coffee shop has two other locations at 49 Church Street and 244 Bellevue Avenue, as well as a store on Montclair State’s campus. The newest Java Love storefront is in the former Diesel + Duke location, and is serving up its beloved selection of coffee, tea, espresso, blends, and assorted pastries to locals.
The Juice House | 10 North Willow Street, Montclair
Having established other locations in Garwood, New Providence, Union, and Freehold, The Juice House opened its fifth New Jersey spot in Montclair on June 16th. The juice, smoothie, and bowl eatery was founded by Arielle Cassidy, MSN, and the brand 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. 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.”
Milk N Cookies | 43 Church Street, Montclair
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A new cookie chain joined Montclair’s Church Street business lineup this June. Milk N Cookies, a cookie and cereal bar, serves up 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
MTC welcomed Montclair Meats, a custom whole animal butcher shop, at 151 Valley Road on April 10th. 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, lead Montclair Meats. Besides its assortment of meats, the shop anticipates hosting private dinners and educational workshops on butchery, sausage making, and charcuterie.
Nuts + Delights | 555 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
A new patisserie opened its doors on Bloomfield Avenue this past spring, adding a unique Mediterranean flair to Montclair Center’s collection of coffee and pastry shops. Nuts and Delights serves up Turkish delights including apple, rose, pistachio with hazelnut filling, apple coconut walnut, baklava, and other flavors, as well as bagels, Turkish coffee, and more.
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
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 year — taking over the 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 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.
Sol Spirit Yoga + Wellness | 356 Bloomfield Avenue Suite 6, Montclair
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Montclair recently expanded its fitness options with the opening of a beloved Jersey City-based yoga studio. Sol Spirit Yoga hosted its grand opening on Thursday, June 20th, and is known for its continuing education classes, teacher training, and incredible variety of classes — from prenatal to yin to advanced and everything in between.
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.
See More: 5 New + Incoming Restaurants in Jersey City’s Bergen-Lafayette Neighborhood
Vital IV Infusions | 49 Claremont Avenue, Montclair
Vital IV Infusions opened this spring and uses innovative and transformative therapies to optimize your well-being using treatments such as ketamine therapy, NAD+ infusions, micronutrients and vitamins, weight loss therapy, and more. The spot also has a second location in Chatham.
Waffles + Dreams | 653 US-46, Fairfield
New to the Fairfield dessert scene is Waffles + Dreams, a dessert shop where sweet and savory waffle combinations take center stage. Waffles + Dreams started as a mobile dessert and breakfast bar and trailer, and opened its first permanent location this June on Route 46.
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