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. 

By now you know that we are a 100% vegan cafe. But did you know that we have a weekly CSA for fresh fruits and in-season veggies? Here, we answer everything you need to know about subscriptions.

WHO: Planted Cafe has teamed up with Lancaster Farms, a cooperative of over 100 farms located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania that farms fresh, certified fruits, vegetables and other farm products.

WHAT: Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is a produce subscription program wherein individuals and families can purchase a weekly share of the harvest. 

HOW IT WORKS: CSA members pay for their shares when they register at the beginning of the season and receive weekly portions, or shares, for the duration of the season. The amount of produce you receive is based on which, and how many, shares you purchased at the beginning of the season. Included in this experience are the intrinsic risks and benefits of small-scale organic farming as affected by the weather of the particular season.

WHY: Are there really any other reasons than farm fresh produce delivered to us every week? Ok, well, here's another: unique to Lancaster CSA, compared to, say, a single, small farm CSA, is the variety of vegetable items they can offer members throughout the season thanks to their extensive base of farmers! Additionally, all thanks to their large farmer base, the risks mentioned and you may hear about elsewhere when considering a CSA membership, are much lower because of their large (100+!) farmer base. For example, if one farmer is experiencing tomato blight it is easier for them as a cooperative to manage this for your CSA by looking to a number of other farmers who may also be growing tomatoes.

WHEN: Pick up is every Monday, from 10am until 7pm. 

WHERE: Planted Cafe, 333 Smith Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.

Learn more and sign up directly through Lancaster Farms by clicking here.

We've been getting tagged a lot on Instagram and we thought we'd share the love here too! Thanks to our customers who post. On your next visit, tag us and we may feature your vegan feast here. 

Scroll through to see our gluten-free muffins and toasts, delicious vegan summer rolls, protein smoothies, CBD lattes and more.

Come try our vegan food and new summer menu: Planted Cafe at 333 Smith Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. 

Newsflash: you can now enjoy our vegan delights in our beautifully luscious backyard! Sip on our adaptogenic elixirs while you work, bring a friend and nosh on our new jackfruit tacos. 

Check out some of our customers who have already been enjoying the outdoor seating!

Planted Cafe is located at 333 Smith Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. We proudly serve the best vegan food, superfood lattes, CBD treats and more. Come dine with us!