Back in April of 2015, it was announced that the Five Points neighborhood would be home to Press Food and Juice. Since that time, Press owner, Esther Pica, has been battling some health issues, but it looks as if she has finally overcome these difficulties. Esther will be opening Press Food and Juice on Thursday, July 7, serving up vegan breakfast and lunch offerings unlike anything that is available in the city. That’s because when it comes to organic and non-GMO foods, there’s probably no one out there that pays more attention to sourcing products than Esther does. It’s one of the reasons that she prides herself on her new expansive open kitchen, where customers can see exactly what’s being prepared and served – items such as BBQ pork sliders made with jackfruit. Or coconut bacon… kale ice cream… she’s even experimenting with faux salmon made out of papaya.
The crux of Esther’s business will still be the cold pressed juices and raw foods that she prides herself on. “Since I started in this business in Buffalo,” she told me. “I can’t believe the number of juice places that have opened. They are everywhere. I will still be offering the pure organic, non-GMO raw foods and juices. I’m not buying conventional produce – I source everything from places that I trust – no pesticides here. I’m putting my money into the product, not high rents. I want customers to do their research – to learn which places are offering the healthiest juices.”
On top of the cold pressed juices and raw foods, Press will be bringing back its vegan ice cream and smoothies. Press will also offer pastries, soups, coffee, a number of teas, and even a vegan cocoa made with vegan marshmallows. If all goes well, and customers weigh in, dinners might eventually be added to the repertoire. To start, Esther will be planning some Friday Happy Hour dry bar specials (non-alcohol kombucha and press juice drink cocktails), along with some pop-up prix fixe dinners (reservation based). “I am trying to balance everything that I want to do,” Esther explained. “With everything that I can do.”
Esther is extremely excited to be part of the Five Points community. She loves the idea of coordinating events with the rest of the businesses that call Five Points home. There is a small community of like-minded entrepreneurs that are all contributing to growing the neighborhood. Being attached to Urban Roots is also a huge bonus, as the two businesses have a similar customer base. Urban Roots will be expanding its growing/selling operation to the corner of 18th Street – the cooperative recently purchased the Small Built Works lot. The totem fence with turnstyle gate will connect the two properties. “Urban Roots will be growing for us,” Esther told me. “It doesn’t get any more fresh and local than that.”
PRESS Food & Juice | 426 Rhode Island Street | Buffalo NY | 426 Rhode Island Street | Buffalo NY | (716) 464-3695 | Facebook