Established in 2016, Joy Tree opened its doors with the wish to introduce the El Paso to a healthier lifestyle.

To Lili, Yahaira and Mayra Alba, Joy Tree is a project that reflects the joy eating healthy and having a good time.

“Our logo is a tree and we chose that because it represents life and with good food, we can enjoy of our health and our lives, that’s what we offer here at Joy Tree,” co-owner Yahaira Alba, 37, said.

Their menu focuses on vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free food, however, they also serve chicken and seafood.

“Our older sister is vegetarian and when we went out to eat we noticed there were very few places with good vegetarian options,” co-owner Lili Alba, 39, said. “That’s when we realized we wanted to open a restaurant that offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals.”

Joy Tree also offers kids’ meals such as vegetarian nuggets and pasta as their focus is to serve every member of the community nutritious food.

“I believe is important to teach children to eat healthy so when they grow up they already have that habit,” Alba said.

To the Alba sisters, the importance of serving costumers fresh food is key to a great experience and at Joy Tree organic ingredients from local suppliers make that fresh service possible.

“We get all our greens from El Paso Verde supplier, as soon as they have products ready they bring them to us, so they aren’t frozen or contain any pesticides,” Alba said.

Changing the mindset of people towards vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free has also become part of the long-term goal of Joy Tree.

“Here on the eastside, we need more places that serve healthier options,” Alba said. “When people think or hear the word ‘healthy’ they think of a boring salad, and that’s a concept we want to change.”

As part of their menu Joy Tree offers stuffed portobello mushrooms, gluten-free pastas and vegetarian tacos among other options.

“Most of the vegetarian plates have become favorites of the people who aren’t vegetarian or vegan,” Alba said.

Joy Tree offers discount promotions and special meal preparations upon request and is located at 12135 Montwood Dr. Suite 106.