Walking along Main Street, you will be greeted by two bright green, smiling frogs painted in the windows of Green Bar, a long-beloved açaí bowl and smoothie joint in New Paltz. Inside is a cozy, inviting atmosphere of dark greens and browns, with an expansive menu and plenty of seating. This is Rox Etheridge’s version of Green Bar, the new owner who reopened the business at the beginning of April.
“I came in one day around the end of last year, and I heard from one of the workers that they were selling, and I immediately reached out to them,” Etheridge said. “I wanted to save it. I didn’t want it to become something different, because they really created something great here.”
Wellness is an integral part of Etheridge’s life journey, and Green Bar was essential in providing that after they moved to New Paltz with their wife and daughter. They frequented the business, but once its original owner left, they noticed shifts in product consistency and quality. After buying Green Bar, they became determined to not only provide consistent quality but also create their personal take on the business.
“It feels like everything I’ve done throughout my life is here. I’m sharing it. My aesthetic, my OCD, my commitment to beautiful things, healthy things. It’s just a place where people can chill out and be in community with each other,” a teary-eyed Etheridge said.
One of the biggest differences between Etheridge’s version of Green Bar and the original is its focus on community. Green Bar first opened during the pandemic, when most of its orders were take-out. Etheridge, meanwhile, has focused on creating a space where people can sit together and relax. The place is well-decorated and has many different seating options, as well as reusable for-here ware that encourages customers to spend more time in the business.
The emphasis on for-here ware and seating is also a part of their dedication to sustainability in the business. The more people sit in the bar, the less plastic is used.
“The to-go cups and straws are also compostable in industrial composts,” Etheridge said. “The other piece is we try to source from local farms, and we’re working on developing partnerships with Solid Ground Farms and even Wallkill [View Farm].”
As time progresses, Etheridge plans to offer a winter menu with bone broths, warm juices, chia puddings and different whole meals. They’re also considering selling bottled, cold-pressed juices. Currently, they offer a rewards program, where after 10 purchases, you get 25% off your next order.
In the near future, Etheridge plans to host a grand opening during Pride Month. They’re also planning to offer a discount for SUNY students.
Green Bar, located on 117 Main Street, is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“My family, we just want to plant our roots, so that our daughter has a home base,” Etheridge said.