Smoothies, Juices, Sandwiches Served Up in New Downtown Store

Hoot, Hoot, Hoot … there’s a new owl in town.

Elder Owl that is—the latest foodie’s dream to hit downtown Ellwood City.

The store offers smoothies, Popping Boba Juice/Lemonade, Frappes, Acai Bowls, Granola Bowls (made with in house granola), Cinnamon Roasted Almonds/Pecans, Cotton Candy, Snacks, and scrumptious Paninis (fancy grilled cheese).

“Aside from our all natural smoothies, we have Popping Boba which I believe nobody else in Ellwood has,“ said Owner Chakayla Hyland. “And there is much more coming soon. Expect to see soups on our fall menu!”

Hyland said her business model and tasty offerings were a no brainer and that she always wanted to have a storefront.

“Smoothies have been my favorite go to snack since I was younger and I have always wanted a place to get a good, filling smoothie in Ellwood,” she said. “Thus, The Elder Owl was born.”

She says her store is cozy and welcoming and doesn’t feel like your average “food establishment.”

“Our home-like setting is definitely the best part of our storefront,” Hyland said. “Usually, but not always, we have 1930’s to 1960’s music playing (some days it’s today’s top hits), and our decor is a more vintage vibe with light colors. We have a bulletin board for local businesses to put their business cards and a wall with all our sponsors.”

Hyland, who was born and raised in Ellwood City and still lives on the Northside, said she has always had an entrepreneurial spirit that was inspired by her dad, Bob Rozzo. Rozzo owns Rozzo Concrete.

“I always knew I wanted to be my own boss,” Hyland said.

Hyland began with a home customization shop in 2015 and then on to the Elder Owl in January of this year.

Although owning a business has its challenges and ups and downs, Hyland said she wouldn’t have it any other way as she prefers to focus on the successes.

“My biggest success is paying off over half of my debt in less than a year,” Hyland said. “I was told multiple times that I would fail because most businesses don’t make it past their first year, however we are absolutely thriving, and I am so thankful for all of our customers! My regular customers who come in multiple times a week really keep me going and put a smile on my face every day.”

Hyland said customer input is a vital part of the menu’s progression.

“We are constantly evolving and adding things to our menus that our customers request. We really listen and try to accommodate everyone to the best of our ability,” she said.

And the Elder Owl is growing rapidly.

“Recently, my sister decided to step away from her old job and join me at The Elder Owl,” Hyland said. “She added so many new food and drink items to the menu and we have grown tremendously in just three short weeks.”

Part of that growth is becoming a part of the community. Elder Owl has joined with AG Studio Pro and the Ellwood City Band Bash to present the Fall Band Bash festival at the Robert E Rodgers Memorial Park.

“We will be handling the children’s area, costume contests, local vendors, and more on October 22 & 23,” Hyland said. “Benefits of the Fall Band Bash help raise money for the Ellwood City Fireworks Display.”

Also, stay tuned for Elder Owl to release the date of an upcoming special event.

“We will also be hosting a FREE cotton candy day within the coming days for all of our Ellwood residents, date to be determined,” Hyland said.

She sees a bright future for her business.

“I look forward to growing every day and continuing to be a positive part of our community,” she said.

Elder Owl Hours are Tuesday – Friday 11-7 and Saturday 11-3 (closed Sunday and Monday).

To learn more about Elder Owl visit the website: www.theelderowl.com, and follow Elder Own on Facebook: The Elder Owl, LLC, and Instagram: TheElderOwl