Summer in our area is buzzing with excitement as a wave of new businesses opens their doors, bringing fresh offerings to the Montclair and Essex County community. Read on to learn more about these vibrant additions to our local scene.
AIR Aerial Fitness | 15 Village Plaza Suite #SF2, South Orange
Classes at this fitness studio combine pilates, ballet, and HIIT on aerial hammocks, redefining the concept of an aerial class. Owner Maura Hargrave-Kerns fell in love with AIR after taking her first class and now brings this dynamic fitness method to her hometown. With an emphasis on efficiency, results, and quality, AIR provides a unique workout that targets muscles you never knew you had.
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Amai Ice Cream | 625 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield
Photo Credit: Kitana James
This new ice cream shop in town brings a unique and flavorful experience to our area. Owner Kitana James drew inspiration from her Caribbean roots, infusing her creamy creations with a touch of liquor. You can also customize and have them create any flavor you like, including alcohol-infused sorbet and vegan ice cream.
Artie’s | 15 Newark Way, Maplewood
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Neighborhood favorite Arturo’s Restaurant merged with its sister brand The Bread Stand bakery to transform into Artie’s. The menu includes items like gourmet wood-fired pizzas and warm, fresh-baked bread.
Forever Welded | 314 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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New Jersey’s first permanent jewelry store sells luxury custom pieces tailored to the wearer’s preferences. Unfamiliar with permanent jewelry? It doesn’t have a clasp for easy removal. Instead, the ends are welded together — with the intention of never taking it off.
Gioia Mia | 331 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Photo Credit: Zack Pearl @thebacyard
Led by Chef Logan Ramirez and Manager Mary Cumella, who were previously part of the Fascino restaurant team, this newcomer aims to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant features a diverse menu featuring seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients with influences from various cuisines.
Genevieve’s Exclusive Vintage Collection | 10 Lackawanna Avenue, Montclair
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When you visit this new shop, you will find a carefully curated selection of designer clothing for men and women. Owner Genevieve Wrenn brings her passion for sustainability over fast fashion to the forefront. She selects each piece with a keen eye for quality — from denim, outerwear, and shoes to accessories.
The Juice House | 10 North Willow Street, Montclair
Founded by nutrition enthusiast Arielle Cassidy, this spot will serve up an array of juices, smoothies, bowls, wellness shots, and grab-and-go items. Menu items include kombucha, almond butter bites, protein energy bites, and peanut butter bark. Guests can also customize their order to be vegan or nut free.
Millburn Ramen | 318A Millburn Avenue, Millburn
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This new restaurant serves up authentic Japanese cuisine with high-quality ingredients and inventive flavors. Offerings include Volcano Ramen, made with spicy miso broth, chashu pork (pork loin or kurobuta pork belly), cabbage, wood ear mushroom, fish cake, bamboo shoots, red pickled ginger, scallions, and half soy egg.
The Ethical Mattress | 387 Millburn Avenue, Millburn
Bedding industry veteran Bryan Umiker has launched this sleep specialty store to provide you with natural sleep products. With a focus on exceptional quality, environmentally-friendly practices, and a relaxed sales environment, the store sells mattresses made in New Jersey, along with locally sourced bed frames.
Fanny’s Restaurant + Bar | 1109 Broad Street, Bloomfield
Photo Credit: Diaz + Scholss Communications
This new addition to the local food scene serves up sophisticated regional Italian dishes with a Jersey twist. Named in honor of the owners’ Italian nonna, Fanny’s menu features classic and elevated dishes like housemade pasta and chicken marsala.
Fatto Con Amore | 349 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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Guests will experience the Italian sandwich concept when stepping into this new spot owned by Chef Robbie Felice. He carefully selects the freshest ingredients, including locally baked breads; and imported meats, cheese, vinegars, and olive oils from Italy.
Kinjo | 155 Washington Avenue, Newark
Photo Credit: TRBO Media
This Japanese-inspired restaurant is set to open this summer. Under Chef William Sanders’s guidance, the menu will feature a modern twist on Japanese cuisine, serving up dumplings, bao, sushi rolls, and ramen. The interior boasts 120 seats, a full bar, and a creative cocktail list.
Little Palms Soft Play | Montclair Area
This mobile soft play rental company brings the fun and safety of a colorful play area to your home. Founded by Karlene Palmer-Mcleod, it provides a range of packages and customizable options to suit your needs.
Mud Clay Studio | 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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This newly opened studio has memberships, comprehensive courses, and BYOB pottery wheel events. Led by founder Melanie Tomaszewski, it provides a welcoming space equipped with 25 pottery wheels, production kilns, and all the tools needed to unleash your creativity.
2nd Street USA | 10 South Park Street, Montclair
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This popular New York-based vintage/thrift shore store has made it to our area. It sells great finds on authentic second-hand items from the US and Japan. Neighbors can sell some of those gems sitting in the back of the closet.
Varitage Brew Works | 58 Washington Street, Bloomfield
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This new spot is anticipated to open in August 2023. Founder/CEO/head brewer Mark Costa is opening Bloomfield’s first microbrewery, which will provide residents and beer lovers with over a dozen different styles of craft beer. Patrons will be able to sit and enjoy a drink in the taproom on-site or purchase to-go options to enjoy outside of the brewery.
Viv Infusions | 44 Main Street Suite 3, Millburn
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Visitors will find a range of wellness and anti-aging treatments that can help optimize overall health at this new center. Whether clients want to increase sports endurance or need an energy boost, the team of licensed medical doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurses will collaborate with clients to create a tailored treatment plan.
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WELL in Montclair | 105 Grove Street #17, Montclair
Led by owner Cathy Stephenson, this new minority/woman-owned wellness practice provides a team-oriented approach to wellness, bringing together experts from various disciplines to provide individualized treatment and preventive care. The goal is to help the community achieve physical vitality, mental health, resilience, and a supportive lifestyle.
