PHOTOS BY KRISTY LOCKLIN

On a cloudy day in Aspinwall, Vibrant Sunshine Juicery Cafe opened its doors. 

Although the plant-forward business at 103 Delafield Road is new, locals will recognize the brand. A decade ago, Naomi Hoppel opened The Pittsburgh Juice Co. at 3418 Penn Ave. in Lawrenceville. 

Since then, she’s been slinging raw, cold-pressed beverages, including a line of Vibrant Sunshine kombuchas, from that 350-square-foot space and wholesaling to dozens of restaurants. 

The new site is large enough to accommodate an ample storage area, a production facility that will increase efficiency and volume with minimal waste, a retail area and a cafe that serves plant-based food and drink. Oh, and there’s a parking lot, which is always a plus.

For years, the corner of Delafield and Freeport roads was home to Patty’s Farm Market. Vibrant Sunshine is a fitting tenant for the old digs.

Thanks to an abundance of plants, a  colorful, mountain view mural and garage doors that stay open in warm weather, it feels like you’re dining outdoors even when you’re inside. It’s a nice getaway when you can’t actually get away.

After a week of eating pizza and fries and sandwiches that put me in a Thanksgiving dinner-caliber food coma, my body demanded more nutritious offerings. Seconds after downing two pieces of Mediterra Bakehouse farm bread covered in roasted root vegetables, cannellini bean puree and fresh arugula, I felt healthier. 

I proudly washed down my sensible snack with a can of kombucha. Hoppel’s brand is USDA organic, Kosher certified and brewed with ingredients like chamomile, jasmine and lavender. Naturally occurring alcohol is extracted to less than 0.5% ABV. If you need a caffeinated pick-me-up,  Vibrant Sunshine partnered with Redhawk Coffee Roasters on a single-origin coffee available for on-site sipping and in take-home bags.  

Vibrant Sunshine will run a limited menu during this week’s soft opening. Next weekend, the cafe will host a series of events including yoga, a women-owned business market, a children’s art class, a terrarium-making workshop and beverage tastings.