Business Buzz
Egg Harbor Township just got a little healthier — and a lot more refreshing.
Entrepreneur Tara Gardner, the energetic force behind the newly opened Berry Chill at the English Creek Center, is bringing her passion for healthy living and community connection to the heart of EHT.
After dedicating 31 years as a teacher in Vineland, Gardner didn’t slow down — she leveled up. Armed with her education from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree from Rowan University, she turned her lifelong passion into entrepreneurship, launching Luna Soul and Bowls in her hometown of Vineland.
The concept quickly gained momentum, fueled by community support and a growing demand for healthier food options.
Now she’s expanding that success into Egg Harbor Township — a place she says has always felt special to her.
“There’s something about this township,” Gardner said. “It’s welcoming, supportive and full of people who genuinely show up for one another.”
A perfect fit for English Creek Center
Berry Chill officially opened its doors on Monday, April 20 and the response has been nothing short of fantastic.
The shop fits seamlessly into the English Creek Center, joining a lineup of complementary businesses while offering something fresh and health-focused for the community.
Healthy, fresh and packed with flavor
Berry Chill’s menu delivers a wide variety of smoothies, bowls and salads that make healthy eating both fun and accessible. Customers can enjoy smoothies blended with strawberries, bananas, mango, pineapple, apple, kiwi and spinach.
Indulgent options like Nutella and coconut are available, alongside protein boosts and CBD add-ons.
Milk choices include oat, almond, and soy alongside classic orange juice.
The salad selections feature combinations like romaine bases with fresh strawberries, apples, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, feta cheese and avocado.
It’s all built around Gardner’s core philosophy: “Healthy Eating = Healthy Living.”
More than just a smoothie shop
True to her roots as an educator, Gardner has infused Berry Chill with a sense of purpose.
School employees receive 10% off on “Teacher Thursdays” with a valid ID and a 10% discount is extended to military, police and first responders as a thank you for their service. The shop will also host special promotions during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 3–7.
The shop features a unique retail section with coffees, salsas, dressings and jams from Beachy Keech, as well as make-and-take succulent plants and a a shelf of free books because, as Gardner says, once a teacher, always a teacher.
A true family operation
Running one successful business is impressive – running two is next level.
Gardner balances both Berry Chill and Luna Soul and Bowls, alongside her husband, Joe and their five children. Her youngest son, Gavin, is already stepping in to help at the new location. If there’s ever proof that busy people get things done, this is it.
Stop in, chill out
Berry Chill is now open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The shop is closed on Sundays.
For more information, visit berrychilleht.com or call 609-437-7581.
Rich Baehrle, of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach, can be reached at 609-226-6680 or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com
