A Clarks Summit couple aims to meet the demand for more healthy dining options in downtown Scranton through a new café.

After discovering Goodness Bowls during vacations to Avalon, New Jersey, where the franchise was founded, Jeff and Erin Costanzo initiated conversations with the mother and daughter who launched the business.

“We had gone there every day for breakfast and got to know them,” Jeff Costanzo said. “We started talking about whether or not they were thinking about expanding, and that’s kind of how it happened organically.”

Goodness Bowls currently operates four locations in Greater Philadelphia — Ambler, Collegeville, Narberth and Villanova — along with the flagship store in New Jersey.

Costanzo anticipates opening the Scranton location, 434 Lackawanna Ave., by late March.

“We’re hoping to fill a need,” he said. “I feel like there is a big desire for healthy foods, and I feel like options are really limited, especially in the downtown area. We’re hoping to provide more natural, healthy, lighter eating options.”

Costanzo noted the close proximity to the University of Scranton and Lackawanna County Courthouse made the spot attractive.

Additionally, the Costanzos, who grew up in the area, cherish playing a role in Scranton’s resurgence.

“It’s nice to see signs of life in the downtown area, and if we can contribute to that, that means a lot,” Jeff Costanzo said.

Goodness Bowls specializes in a variety of smoothies — including Strawnana (strawberries, bananas and almond milk), Zeppelin (bananas, pineapples, Blue Majik spirulina and coconut milk) and Blue Hawaii (blueberries, bananas, almond butter, chocolate whey protein and almond milk) — along with açai, pitaya, banana, green, coconut and specialty bowls; salads and wraps; and specialty coffees.

Jeff Costanzo teased the possibility of opening additional locations in the area — potentially Dickson City, Clarks Summit or Honesdale — depending on the response to the Scranton store.

“If things go well for us, we would definitely be interested in opening more locations in the region,” he said.

Scranton City Council President Tom Schuster believes Goodness Bowls will provide another economic boost to the city and add to the revitalization along Lackawanna Avenue.

“It’s great to see businesses coming in and investing in our city,” Schuster said. “I think the more businesses that are coming into the city, it attracts more people, and just the sheer fact of attracting more people is bringing more opportunities.”