Greenstraw Reopens As Newtown's First Vegan Cafe

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — It’s official. Greenstraw Cafe is now 100 percent vegan.

The North Sycamore Street business celebrated its grand reopening on Wednesday as Newtown’s first plant-based vegan cafe featuring a brand new menu and the addition of an espresso bar.

“I always had a dream of having my own cafe that’s 100 percent fully plant based. That goal was achieved yesterday,” said owner Dhruv Patel who cut the ribbon on his newly branded store on Valentine's Day and welcomed more than 100 customers inside for “Coffee, Smoothies and Goodies.”

The longtime Newtown resident and store customer bought the organic and smoothie business in December. Since then he has overseen the conversion of the business into the area’s only all vegan eatery.

“You can get your cup of coffee here. You can get a healthy smoothie here. Or you can get a good bite to eat here,” said Patel. “This can be your one stop shop if you want to sit and hang out and
enjoy the vibes and culture of Newtown from the window or sip a cup of coffee outside.”

Patel purchased Greenstraw from Kelly Anne Troy who founded the business as Greenstraw Smoothies 11 years ago. After making settlement, Troy stayed on for several weeks to acquaint Patel with the business operations.

“When I heard they were selling I jumped at the opportunity because to have something like this in my own hometown that aligns with the lifestyle I’m trying to live is like a dream come true," said Patel.

Member of the Newtown Business Association join Greenstraw in celebrating its grand reopening on North Sycamore Street. (Moraux Photography)

Patel moved to Newtown when he was in the third grade. He attended Council Rock Schools and is a 2014 graduate of North. He worked for Pfizer for five years before taking two years off to help build a landmark Hindu temple - BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham - in Robbinsville, N.J.

Patel said it was during his senior year at Council Rock when he first started thinking about owning his own business. Back then his dream was to open a coffee shop and wait on customers all day.

“For this to happen before I turned 30, I can’t tell you how happy I am to get started with this so early,” said Patel.

Patel was drawn to Greenstraw by the quality and freshness of its products, which includes 15 to 20 different smoothies, organic cold press juices, açaí and playa bowls, oatmeal, three different plant-based sandwiches, soups, and more.

“It’s as natural and as organic as it gets with zero added sugars. It’s all just fruit,” he said. “Kelly did a great job,” he said of the former owner.

Patel’s go to menu item is a playa bowl with dragonfruit topped with strawberries, kiwi and pineapple. “I like all the tropical fruits,” he said.

Since taking over the shop, Patel has added specialty coffees to the menu, veganized the menu and introduced some hot items, including wraps and small sandwiches.

With the grand reopening this week he has rebranded Greenstraw as Newtown’s first plant-based vegan cafe.

“It’s unique in Newtown,” said Patel of his cafe. “I haven’t seen anything like this and I’m really excited to be one of the first to try this.”

For regulars, Patel said the store continues to sell its popular smoothies and playa bowls. “Those are go-to items. Even if we consolidate the menu, those will always stay.

Greenstraw Cafe is located at 243 North Sycamore Street in Newtown. (Moraux Photography)

“What the regulars like the regulars will get,” said Patel. “They are the pride and joy of Greenstraw. Our business is here because of their constant support. And definitely any changes that I have made I ask them directly what they think. Any big changes, I’m always keeping the customers in mind and consult with them first.

“I want this to become a nice sit down place where people can grab a quick bite and have a nice meal that’s a healthy, vegan alternative to a fast food place.”

And at a reasonable cost, said Patel.

His vision doesn’t end with Newtown. His longer term goal will be to one day expand the new brand to multiple locations, but retain its mom and pop store feeling and identity.

“If I could provide a health opportunity to everyone possible, that would be something I would do in a second. And to start this in Newtown where I grew up is very fulfilling,” said Patel.