OUR ORIGINS STORY

Planted may seem like it sprouted up on Smith St. out of nowhere, but the truth of the matter is that we're the latest extension of a Brooklyn mini-empire started over 20 years ago. We thought we'd share our proud history and beginnings on here!

Our roots have always been in wellness since owner Loretta Gendville opened her first business, AREA Spa, in the late 1990s. She chose all-natural products and offered a holistic approach to skin care and relaxation. From there, with a captive local Carroll Gardens clientele, she opened a yoga studio. Neighbors came, stretched, strengthened and lengthened together, growing into a flourishing yoga community over the years.

Before long, AREA Yoga had expanded to two other locations in Park Slope and Brooklyn Heights. Not only were the yoga classes full, students also loved shopping the retail sections, which lead to Loretta's next venture: children's stores. The expansion was a natural fit, since AREA's students were mostly health-minded moms. 

Over the years, Loretta dabbled in other businesses, including even a kids' salon and eventually, she had 11 storefronts and counting. 
But the idea of an all-vegan cafe always danced in her mind and in 2017, she got to work finally opening it.

The build out of our beautiful space took a little longer than expected and she had to figure out health regulations and everything else that goes into opening a food business, but she eventually got there. In late 2018, Planted opened our doors and, we like to think, we became another instant neighborhood favorite.