The Mid-Valley Mall officially welcomed Blend Smoothie and Salad Bar, owned by Alaina James and Jose Medina, to the business community on Tuesday, December 12, with an official grand opening and celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony. Friends and family of both owners came together to celebrate another milestone for the business while customers came in and out to buy a smoothie or other products.

Originally born in Brooklyn, Alaina James came to Newburgh when she was 12-years-old and since high school, James recalled that she was always passionate about health and wellness and put those practices to use while she ran track. At the age of 24/25, James recognized the need for a place that provided an alternative for people to get fresh produce in her community. “In our communities and you know our upbringing, being a minority, it’s important also to educate people on the importance of fruits and vegetables and when it comes to eating a certain way,” she said. “I really truly care about the people within our community and, you know, health and wellness, it’s important and it’s something that I think is undervalued in a lot of places.”

Blend officially opened in 2014 and seeing a business at a brick and mortar location in her hometown fills James with pride and joy. As a female business owner, James feels pride in where she is today and what the business has done and accomplished since starting, and now, she values mentorship to other people like the youth and young women. Potential franchising in 2024 is also being discussed for Blend.

“I would invite any and everyone, all ages to come out. You guys want something that’s great and genuine that the quality that your body needs, this is definitely the place to be,” said James. “Come out and say hi and get something healthy.”

Originally from New York City, Medina would come visit family in New Windsor and would frequent Newburgh in his younger years. Years later and now officially having a business in Newburgh, Medina felt joy having his family there in the space and supporting him.“This is a beautiful store that I want to make sure like, we want to share with you guys [the Newburgh community],” said Medina.

Prior to Blend and running a business entirely, Medina was originally from the finance world. He shared that he had similar interests and passions about health and wellness to James and decided to combine his financial background and his passion for health together. Similar to James, Medina has also reflected on where he is today as a business owner and is grateful and blessed to have this opportunity to do this work.

“It was hard to think that I can actually do something and be a part of something or help a community of people that are just like me, you know,” said Medina. “We want to make sure to educate people as far as their health and everything and actually keep the prices as low as we can, so that they can afford it. It’s a way of giving back to the community as well.”

Amongst friends and family, Town of Newburgh Councilmen Scott Manley and Paul Ruggiero, Town Clerk Lisa Vance-Ayers, Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson and Councilwoman Giselle Martinez made guest appearances and congratulated the owners on coming to Newburgh. Medina hopefully sees in the future the establishment of a not for profit for Blend and other community health events with the help of the local government.

The business currently operates near the Planet Fitness location in the plaza. Blend also maintains locations in New Windsor, Middletown, Monroe, ShopRite supermarkets in Mohegan Lake and Elmsford and at SUNY Westchester Community College. The store is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.