Press release: Juice and smoothie bar celebrates ribbon-cutting in downtown Albany

Albany, NY: A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for Blend & Brew, a new juice and smoothie bar on 54 State Street in downtown Albany, on Wednesday, July 31. Owner Samer Ekad and Downtown Albany Business Improvement District Executive Director Georgette Steffens were joined by City of Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and Omni Development Company, Inc.'s Vice President of Administration, Human Resources & Systems Lisa Reddy to help celebrate the new eatery in the core of Albany.  
 

Ekad's path to downtown Albany was long and winding, but he has owned and operated juice bars for over thirty years. He immigrated to the United States from Lebanon in 1986 to study at City College of New York in New York City. He worked a variety of restaurant jobs to support his studies, and although Ekad holds a degree in electrical engineering from City College, his food industry experience led him to open his first juice bar in 1991 on 14th Street. He partnered with his two uncles on the first shop, years before mainstream juice bars moved into town. The business was so successful that it gave Ekad the confidence to pursue an entrepreneurial path and eventually open his own juice bar in Manhattan.  
 

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Ekad started to rethink his city lifestyle. Ready for homeownership, he and his family looked north of New York City to put down roots and eventually settled in Albany. In early 2024, Ekad was approached by one of the uncles he previously owned a business with to take over his juice bar in the city, named Juice Island. That dream did not pan out due to complications with the lease agreement, but his uncle gifted him all the juice equipment and supported his idea to open a location in downtown Albany. 
 

When Ekad came across the State Street storefront, it immediately grabbed his attention. He noticed it received great foot traffic, not only because it is located inside an office building, but because major State agencies surround the store. It was the perfect fit for his new enterprise: Blend & Brew. Inside the storefront, the Juice Island sign is mounted to the wall in honor of his uncle, he said. 
 

Blend & Brew officially opened in May and has received a steady drum of customers since then. The store is open Monday - Friday from 7:00 AM-4:00 PM, and in addition to fresh fruit and vegetable juices, the store sells smoothies, acai bowls, salads, coffee, and more.  
 

Watch the Blend & Brew ribbon cutting here.
 

Blend & Brew Owner Samer Ekad said: "Whatever I accept for myself, I do for the customer, and I'm happy to serve something nutritious to the customer. This is my new home and the people here are welcoming, and I'm very excited to operate."
 

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said: "Blend & Brew is a welcomed presence in downtown Albany, providing fresh, healthy, and delicious food to residents, commuters, and visitors. Thank you to Omni Development for providing a space for Blend & Brew to grow and succeed, and thank you to owner Samer Ekad for making Albany his home and sharing his life's work with our city."
 

Omni Development Company, Inc.'s Vice President of Administration, Human Resources & Systems Lisa Reddy said: “Omni could not be happier with our newest tenant, Blend & Brew. They are the perfect complement to our tenants and the Downtown community and provide a delicious variety of fresh, healthy meals with something for everyone.  It’s like having a corner of New York City right here at 54 State!” 
 

Downtown Albany BID Executive Director Georgette Steffens said: "Blend & Brew is quickly becoming one of downtown Albany’s favorite eateries for its fresh juices, smoothies, and salads, whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, lunch, or a midday snack. As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted with a smile by owner Samer Ekad and your senses are overwhelmed with the sights and smells of fresh produce. He and his staff are incredibly welcoming and exemplify what it takes to run a high-quality restaurant with friendly service. We are thrilled to welcome Blend & Brew to our District; this incredible shop adds to the diverse, vibrant fabric of Downtown that keeps residents, commuters, and visitors returning to the core of our city.” .