Nutley Couple Embrace Whimsical Vibe At Their New Café

NUTLEY, NJ — A Nutley couple are trying to lift customers at their new café out of their daily routines by creating a whimsical atmosphere, including a giant, uber-realistic “tree.”

The selfie-friendly prop is just one of the creative decorations that festoon the Sugar Tree Café at 358 Passaic Avenue. Launched by Jack Bermeo and Sophia Sandoval Bermeo, the new addition to Nutley’s restaurant landscape celebrated its grand opening earlier in May.

The Nutley Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new café last week to welcome it to town.

According to the café’s website:

“In May of 2021, Jack, his wife Sophia, and their dedicated team opened Sugar Tree Café. After a challenging year that has kept us all further apart, it put it into perspective just how important creating experiences that bring us together really are. If there’s something Jack knows best, that is creating an unforgettable experience. With years of experience in entertainment as a DJ in Night Life and the Wedding spaces, entertaining in a thoughtful, unique, and over the top way is in Jack’s blood. Sugar Tree Café is here to reinvent the cafe and coffee experience, from a unique whimsical atmosphere that will transport you out of your daily routine, to a carefully crafted menu. We offer gourmet coffee and a city brunch menu.”

The décor at the café includes lounge-like furniture, walls covered with flowers and greenery, and a meticulously designed replica tree that spreads its canopy across the ceiling.

Take a peek inside the Sugar Tree Café below, and watch Jack Bermeo speak about a two-day "soft run" at the eatery here.

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