Lucca Fresca provides smoothies, smoothie bowls and other healthy snacks with style.
The establishment at 802 S. Main St., Taylor, is the creation of owner Mattia Krappa, who wanted a business that gave the community healthy options with a laid-back atmosphere. Her love of singer Harry Styles also can be seen throughout the smoothie shop’s decor and in menu items named after the musician’s songs, such as the popular Fine Line Smoothie. The business has attracted attention on social media, too, garnering more than 1.5 million likes and almost a million followers on TikTok.
Chef’s Table recently chatted with Krappa about her plans for the smoothie shop, which opened in December.
Jason Farmer / Staff Photographer
Q: What is the history of the restaurant?
A: Lucca Fresca opened in the middle of a global pandemic. I graduated college in May 2020 and couldn’t find a job that excited me, so I created my own space in the business world. I wanted to give my community a place to get delicious and healthy food. People on TikTok refer to Lucca Fresca as the “Harry Styles smoothie shop,” and that was never my intention. It happened because of TikTok. We always had the Harry Styles-inspired specials and tables. Lucca Fresca is a reflection of me, and I wanted to incorporate my love for Harry’s music into the shop. That’s why I started naming all of my specials after his songs. I started a series on TikTok called “opening my own smoothie shop” (that) ended up having 14 parts with over 3 million views and 1 million likes.
Q: What kind of food do you serve?
A: We serve smoothies, smoothie bowls, açai bowls and other healthy snacks. We are a no-sugar-added facility, and we also have gluten-free granola and bread. Most of our menu items are vegan.
Q: What are your most-ordered menu items?
A: Our açai bowls are very popular. Recently, our Fine Line Smoothie went viral on TikTok. People have been coming from all over just for this smoothie. The Fine Line is a two-tone smoothie (that’s) half strawberry raspberry and half blue raspberry.
Q: How did your menu come to be?
A: I felt there was a gap that needed to be filled in the community, health food-wise. I eat relatively healthy food and wanted to give the community a place to try healthy, delicious and Instagram-worthy foods. Creating the recipes was a lot of trial and error, especially for my specials. I’m always having friends and family try new combinations.
Q: How would you describe the restaurant’s atmosphere?
A: I wanted Lucca Fresca to be a space where everyone felt welcome. Our seating is a little unconventional with couches and armchairs. I didn’t want people to feel like they were sitting in a restaurant but like they were sitting at a friend’s house.
Q: What type of seating do you offer?
A: We currently only have indoor seating but are working on outdoor seating for the summer.
Q: What kinds of promotions do you offer?
A: Every month, we have a new featured bowl. Every week or two, we have a new featured smoothie.
Q: Do you offer catering, event space, etc.?
A: We are in the process of developing an in-house event package. I would love to offer my space for mini parties.
Q: Are you offering delivery, takeout or curbside pickup?
A: We offer takeout and curbside pickup.
Q: Where do you see the restaurant headed in the future?
A: I see Lucca Fresca expanding, maybe to a bigger location or a second location.
Laura Rysz is the features copy editor and calendar editor at The Times-Tribune and runs the Talk of the Times column, which focuses on local fundraisers and other events. She also writes Chef’s Table that profiles restaurants around the region. Additionally, Laura curates events online on AccessNEPA.com. Laura is involved in the special Mother’s Day edition and curates occasional features Marry Memories and Times Travelers. She is a graduate of Haddonfield Memorial High School, New Jersey, and earned an English professional writing degree with a minor in mass communications from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. She also earned a certificate in Social Media Marketing from Rutgers Business School. Contact: lrysz@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5228.
