A new health-focused restaurant is coming to Passaic County, bringing açaí bowls and other nutritious menu items to area residents and workers.
Vitality Bowls has signed an agreement with local entrepreneurs Hardik and Unnati Mistry to open a location in Clifton, expected to debut in the first half of 2026.
The fast-casual restaurant specializes in açaí bowls, which blend the antioxidant-rich Amazon berry with various toppings, along with smoothies, salads, wraps, toasts and grain bowls.
"Opening a Vitality Bowls café is a natural extension of my passion for health, wellness and helping others live better lives," said Hardik Mistry, who has a background in customer service, operations and IT. "My goal is to create a welcoming space here in Clifton where guests can enjoy delicious, clean meals, supported by a strong team and consistent, top-tier service."
The menu includes options such as the Superfood Bowl, made with açaí, pitaya, almond milk, organic granola, cacao nibs, and goji berries, and the Chimichurri Steak Wrap with super greens, grass-fed sous-vide steak, grains, and radishes in a tomato basil tortilla.
Tara Gilad, co-founder of Vitality Bowls, said the Mistrys' customer service experience and interest in health and wellness make them well-suited for the franchise.
"Hardik and Unnati truly reflect the heart of what Vitality Bowls stands for, and we can't wait to see the lasting impact their new superfood café will have in the community," Gilad said.
The Clifton location will include the Vitality Bowls Loyalty Club mobile app, where customers earn one point per dollar spent and can redeem rewards. Members receive a free açaí bowl on their birthday and a $10 reward for every 150 points accumulated.
Roy and Tara Gilad founded Vitality Bowls in 2011 in San Ramon, California, after learning their daughter had severe food allergies and wanting to find safe, healthy food alternatives.
The company began franchising in 2014 and has grown to more than 126 cafés now open or in development. In New Jersey, there are Vitality Bowls in Hackensack and Harrison.
"At this time, there are no confirmed cafés scheduled to open in the area aside from the upcoming café in Clifton," a company spokesman said.