It finally happened. After what felt like a lifetime of staring at those "coming soon" signs and checking Instagram feeds with the desperation of a marathon runner looking for water, the Paper Plane Coffee Co. reopening has arrived. If you've spent any time in Montclair, New Jersey, you know this isn't just another shop selling beans and hot water. It’s a whole thing. The original spot on Claremont Avenue was basically the community’s living room, and its absence left a giant, espresso-shaped hole in the local social fabric.
Honestly, the anticipation was a bit much.
People were freaking out. But when Jonathan "Jonny" De La Cruz—the mastermind behind the brand—finally opened the doors to the new, expanded space, the collective sigh of relief was audible from Church Street all the way to Bloomfield Avenue. This isn't just a relocation; it’s an evolution of a brand that basically redefined what "third-wave coffee" looks like in a suburban setting.
The Long Road to the Paper Plane Coffee Co. Reopening
Coffee shops close all the time, but they don't usually come back like this. The journey to the Paper Plane Coffee Co. reopening was a lesson in patience and navigating the labyrinth of New Jersey real estate and construction permits. When the original location closed, there was a legitimate fear that the "steampunk-meets-laboratory" vibe Jonny cultivated might be lost to history.
It wasn't.
Instead, the team took the time to build something that feels more permanent. The new flagship location at 615 Bloomfield Avenue is a beast. It’s bigger. It’s sleeker. It’s got that specific industrial-chic aesthetic that makes you feel cool just for standing in it, even if you’re wearing sweatpants and haven't brushed your hair yet. The move from the tucked-away Claremont spot to the main drag of Bloomfield Avenue is a massive power play. It signals that Paper Plane isn't just a neighborhood secret anymore; it’s a central pillar of Montclair’s retail identity.
Why People Obsess Over This Specific Cup of Joe
You might be wondering, "Is it really that deep?" Yes.
The Paper Plane Coffee Co. reopening matters because the way they roast is objectively different. They use an air-roasting method. Most places use a traditional drum roaster, which can sometimes lead to a scorched or "burnt" taste if the beans sit against the hot metal for too long. Air roasting keeps the beans suspended in a high-velocity stream of hot air. It’s like the difference between frying something in a pan versus using an air fryer—the heat is more even, the chaff is blown away immediately, and the result is a cleaner, more vibrant flavor profile. You can actually taste the blueberry notes in an Ethiopian roast instead of just tasting "darkness."
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Also, their menu is a chaotic masterpiece.
Where else are you going to get a "Flight" of coffees that feels like a wine tasting? Or lattes infused with flavors that actually taste like the ingredients listed rather than a pump of generic syrup? The "Aviation" signature drinks aren't just for show; they are meticulously balanced. Jonny’s background and his family’s deep roots in the coffee industry in the Dominican Republic give the whole operation a level of credibility that most "aesthetic" cafes simply can't match. This isn't a hobby for them. It’s a legacy.
The Impact on Montclair’s Business Scene
Montclair has always been a competitive ecosystem for small businesses. We’ve seen a lot of favorites disappear over the last few years due to rising rents and the general "post-pandemic" shift in consumer habits. The Paper Plane Coffee Co. reopening serves as a morale boost for the entire downtown area. When a beloved local brand invests in a larger space during a tricky economic climate, it encourages other entrepreneurs to stay the course.
The foot traffic on Bloomfield Avenue is already intense, but Paper Plane acts as a destination. People travel from New York City and North Jersey specifically for their beans. That means more eyes on the neighboring boutiques and more people sticking around for lunch at the surrounding restaurants. It’s a symbiotic relationship.
What to Expect When You Walk In
If you haven't visited since the Paper Plane Coffee Co. reopening, prepare for a bit of a wait. The hype is real.
The new space features high ceilings, exposed brick, and that signature aviation-themed decor that doesn't feel cheesy. It’s sophisticated. There are more seating options now, which was the biggest complaint about the old spot. You can actually bring a laptop or meet a friend without feeling like you’re hovering over someone’s shoulder waiting for them to finish their croissant.
- The Coffee Lab: The counter service is efficient, but they take their time with the pours. Don't expect "fast food" speed; expect "craft" quality.
- The Retail Section: They’ve expanded their merchandise and bag coffee offerings. You can grab their signature blends to go, which is a lifesaver if you can't make it down every day.
- The Vibe: It’s loud, it’s bustling, and it smells incredible.
Navigating the Reopening Rush
Look, the first few months of any major reopening are going to be wild. If you’re looking for a quiet, contemplative space to write your novel at 10:00 AM on a Saturday, you might be out of luck for a bit. The Paper Plane Coffee Co. reopening has drawn in the "superfans" in droves.
Try going on a Tuesday afternoon. The light hits the front windows just right, the crowd thins out slightly, and you can actually have a conversation with the baristas about the origin of the beans they’re currently pulling for espresso. They love talking shop. That’s the "E-E-A-T" (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) of the coffee world—knowing exactly where the bean came from and the exact temperature at which it was roasted.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you want the full experience of the Paper Plane Coffee Co. reopening, you should have a game plan.
First, check their social media for updated hours. Sometimes they have private events or "staff training" days as they break in the new equipment. Second, park in the Bay Street deck or one of the municipal lots nearby; Bloomfield Avenue parking is a nightmare and you don't want a ticket ruining your caffeine high. Third, be adventurous. Skip your standard vanilla latte and try one of their seasonal specials. You’re at one of the best roasters in the state—make it count.
Finally, buy a bag of beans on your way out. The best way to support a local business that just went through a massive transition is to become a recurring customer. Their "Skyway" blend is a safe bet for most home brewers, but if you’re feeling bold, ask for whatever light roast they’re currently excited about.
The Paper Plane Coffee Co. reopening isn't just about getting a drink; it's about the fact that even in a world of corporate chains, a local guy with a passion for air-roasted beans can still win big. Go support them. The coffee is better over here anyway.