PHILADELPHIA, PA — Two childhood friends turned entrepreneurs have taken a big step in their business journey. Cedric Hernandez and Charles De La Cruz, owners of Essex Squeeze, have opened a new location in Philadelphia. This marks the first expansion of their popular healthy cafe outside of New York City.
The new cafe, located in Northern Liberties at Liberties Walk, offers a wide array of fresh, made-to-order smoothies, juices, toasts, and bowls. Patrons can choose from nearly 40 healthy options that balance nutrition, flavor, and affordability. The cafe operates from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.
“Essex Squeeze is a healthy and affordable taste of New York City flavor,” said De La Cruz. “It isn’t just a juice and smoothie bar, but it is a representation of a childhood dream come true. We are proud to bring this passion and our heart with us as we expand nationally starting right here in the City of Brotherly Love.”
Essex Squeeze aims to make nutritious eating accessible to a broader audience. The menu includes freshly squeezed juices, healthy shots, smoothies, toasts, bowls, and new fresh-squeezed lemonades. Customers can also create their own drinks with a variety of ingredients. The cafe’s offerings feature super fruits and other healthy options designed to boost the immune system.
For their first location outside New York, Hernandez and De La Cruz chose Philadelphia’s Northern Liberties neighborhood. The area, known for its vibrant restaurant scene, seemed like the perfect fit for their expansion. “When we were deciding where to start our expansion plans, there was no doubt it was always going to be Philadelphia,” said Hernandez. “Philadelphia is so close to us and we both have friends here and visit frequently. We love the restaurant and food scene, and the neighborhoods have the same energy and character as back home.”
The duo’s story began in 1988 in New York City’s Lower East Side. Growing up in an immigrant neighborhood, they were inspired to become fruit vendors. De La Cruz nurtured his passion for hospitality at the renowned Katz’s Delicatessen, while Hernandez developed a love for healthy eating through fitness and running. Together, they created Essex Squeeze to offer their community affordable, healthy food options.
The pandemic could have stalled their plans, but it only fueled their determination. They felt a stronger need to help people maintain balanced diets and boost their immune systems. Their first location opened at Essex Market in 2020, followed by other spots in DeKalb Market, High Line Park, and Jacx & Co.
The Philadelphia location marks their fifth and the beginning of what they hope will be a national expansion. Future plans include additional locations in Philadelphia and beyond.
Hernandez adds, “This is the fastest growing neighborhood in Philadelphia right now. It has great roots and history, but it’s also evolving, changing and bringing in a great diverse mix of people into one place. I love that we get to be part of that energy, that excitement and that change.”
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