NY Café Owner Opens Green Bliss Juice Bar In Downtown New Haven

NEW HAVEN, CT — The newest addition to the downtown foodie scene is a bar. A juice bar.

Open now, the ceremonial ribbon will be cut Thursday at Green Bliss Juice Bar, at 1092 Chapel St.

Part of Yale University Properties, Green Bliss Juice Bar is owned by Harrison Rhee, who established a similar café, Green Bar, in New Paltz, New York in 2021.

Last year, Rhee moved from New York to Connecticut with his wife, Rachel. Rhee was inspired to open a juice bar in New Haven after a visit to the Yale University Art Gallery.

"We started our day at the art gallery, and then we found a great place to eat right on Chapel Street. I was really struck by what a fantastic location this would be to open a juice bar, because this area is so vibrant," Rhee is quoted as saying in a news release from Yale Properties.

His New York café is also situated near a university, so "Rhee understands the fast-paced lifestyle of students and professionals," a news release reads. "At Green Bliss, they can quickly pick up a smoothie, snack, or nutritious meal to stay energized while on the go."

Green Bliss offers a variety of refreshing juice blends, energizing smoothies, and delicious shakes, as well as juice cleanses. In addition, Green Bliss offers a selection of brunch toasts such as avocado, kimchi, and salmon, served on artisanal breads. Other offerings include fruit-topped, crispy and airy puff-pastry waffles with honey or maple syrup and a variety of smoothie bowl choices, like the acai smoothie bowl.

A self-taught chef, Rhee began working behind a juice bar at age 20 and has always had a passion for incorporating fresh fruit and produce into his creations.

"Our signature acai smoothie bowl combines tangy acai berries with a velvety base of frozen acai puree and complementary fruits such as bananas and berries," Rhee said. "Topped with crunchy granola, fresh fruit slices, chia or hemp seeds, and drizzles of honey or almond butter, it’s a visually appealing and refreshing mix of creamy, crunchy, and juicy textures."

What to expect at Green Bliss: Fresh fruits and vegetables are combined with yogurt, milk, or juice, depending on the recipe, and whipped into creamy smoothies that can be customized with a variety of flavors and add-ins for a nutritious breakfast, a quick snack, or a delightful treat, Rhee said.

"We use all organic ingredients. We prioritize health without sacrificing taste," Rhee said. "Many juices are healthy but lack flavor, while Green Bliss proves that healthy can also be delicious."

Because building a healthy and vibrant community is also important to Rhee, Green Bliss will offer student, Yale staff, and professional discounts, the news release reads.

"With its focus on healthy, unique, and delicious offerings, Green Bliss is a welcome addition to our extensive portfolio of restaurants and cafés at The Shops at Yale, and another reason why so many consider New Haven a foodie paradise," said Alexandra Daum, associate vice president for New Haven affairs and university properties.

The ribbon-cutting celebration for Green Bliss Juice Bar is Thursday at 1 p.m. On hand will be Yale University Properties, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker and Rhee.

About Yale University Properties & The Shops at Yale

The Shops at Yale is made up of the Chapel Street Historic and Broadway Districts in Downtown New Haven and includes a mix of retailers and restaurants, such as Apple, lululemon, Warby Parker, J.Crew, Claire’s Corner Copia, Villa Lulu, More Amour Boutique, Shake Shack, Raggs, and idiom Boutique. Yale University Properties manages Yale University’s commercial properties, including retail stores, office spaces, and residential units in New Haven. Enabled by Yale's community investment program, University Properties is committed to enhancing the quality of life in New Haven through the development of high-quality retail and office environments and investment in surrounding neighborhoods. As a result of University Properties’ community investment program, Yale University is one of the largest taxpayers in the city of New Haven. Learn more at TheShopsatYale.com and ONHA.Yale.edu.