Year in Tri-Boro Business: A Look Back at 2012

Here's a look at what businesses opened in Kinnelon, Butler or Bloomingdale this year. Click on the business names to read profiles featured on each.

Green Life Market

The new health foods shop took the place of the former The Art of Healthy Living on Route 23. Green Life Market offers similar products to that of the former store, including homemade organic meals and smoothies. Owner Kamel Yassin said he was inspired to open the store after reserching remedies for his own ailment. Ameer Yassin, Kamel's son, is a store manager and has an education in food science.

Fuze Wellness Studio

Fuze Wellness, opened by Butler resident Maribel Invernon on Main Street in June, is a group fitness studio. The fitness studio features classes for women only, with a focus on dance, such as Zumba and bellydancing. There are no mirrors in the studio so as not to make those working out feel self-conscious. Fuze also offers massage therapy and life coaching services.

Fajita's Restaurant

What was initially intended to solely be a Mexican restaurant expanded to offer flavors of Italian food as well when Fajita's opened on Hamburg Turnpike in Bloomingdale. The owner of Fajita's also owned La Baita, a popular Italian eatery in Butler. But when La Baita closed, the menu was brought over to Fajita's, which now serves food from both cultures. In addition to food, Fajita's has a small bar offering margaritas and other specialty drinks.

Candy Shack

Bloomingdale's newest sweet shop opened just a week before Superstorm Sandy. The store, which features old-fashioned candy classics and international treats, also sells party supplies, balloons and stuffed animals. Candy Shack's owners are both Bloomingdale residents who said they were hoping to provide a shop kids could enjoy.

My Mommy's Kitchen

Kinnelon resident Diane Clark was able to mix up her passion for baking with her dream of owning her own business when she opened My Mommy's Kitchen, on Route 23 South in Kinnelon, this year. The cookie shop and cafe, which opened in April, features specialty cookies and sweets.

The Nifty Attic

The new collectibles shop opened on Main Street in Bloomingdale, near the Bloomingdale Car Wash, this fall. The store features a mix of used items and new, the used being purchased mostly from storage auctions. Nifty's owners said they are hoping to bring unique items to Bloomingdale for patrons to purchase.

Suzette's Stained Glass

Suzette Donnelly opened up the stained glass and gift shop on Butler Main Street in May. Not only does she sell items she has created herself, but she teaches others the art of stained glass as well through classes. The classes are for beginners and she is hoping to maintain a mom-and-pop type of atmosphere rather than competing with larger stained glass companies that feature work in churches.