Konala Will Open Its First East Coast Restaurant In Belleville

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Koe-Nah-Luh. That’s how to pronounce the name of Belleville’s newest restaurant addition, Konala, which will hold a grand opening for its first East Coast location this week.

Konala is cutting the ribbon on its eatery at 11 Franklin Avenue in Belleville on Friday, July 31. The menu features “fast-casual” protein bowls and salads, plus soft drinks and snacks. Learn more about this local business here.

The first 50 guests on opening day will receive a $25 gift card as part of the celebration, according to a news release.

More promotions are planned through the week, including:

• Aug. 3 – Free Protein Balls with purchase
• Aug. 5 – Free Organic Craft Soda or Lemonade with purchase
• Aug. 7 – First Friday BOGO: buy one bowl, get one featured bowl free

Highlights of the menu include Greek Steak (USDA Choice Top Sirloin, marinated cucumbers, red onion, feta + chimichurri sauce); Honey Sriracha Chicken w/ranch broccoli slaw + fresh pineapple; and Southwest Chicken (dry rub chicken thighs, roasted corn, cotija cheese, red onion + cilantro ranch). Plus kid-friendly Snacking Bowls, fresh fruit, healthy-sweet Protein Balls and seasonal treats like Watermelon-Mint Lemonade.

“As a gym owner and fitness enthusiast, I'm passionate about making healthy food quick and accessible to more people, and I believe that Konala is a great way to do that,” Konala Belleville owner Anthony Menicola said.

More Garden State locations may be in the future, according to Menicola, a Fair Lawn-based entrepreneur who has obtained exclusive rights to develop Konala locations throughout New Jersey – with the goal being 10 units in the next five years.

Trace Miller, Konala's founder and CEO, also shared some well-wishes ahead of the Belleville store’s grand opening.

“We're thrilled that Belleville is our first East Coast location,” Miller said. “Belleville is exactly the kind of market we built Konala for.”

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