Newark Businesses, Restaurants Get Millions To ‘Revitalize’ Downtown

NEWARK, NJ — A plan to “revitalize downtown Newark” has awarded nearly $3.5 million to local businesses in the Brick City since launching last year, officials recently announced.

The funding is being released under the Newark Retail Reactivation Initiative, which launched in 2023. It provides financial support for fit-out and furniture, fixtures and equipment to Newark-based businesses.

The program aims to “support businesses that are looking to bring more retail, cultural and food experiences to downtown, improve aesthetics, safety, and quality of life in the heart of the city, and turn long vacant storefronts into amenities for Newark residents, workers and students.”

The City of Newark and Invest Newark pledged $2.3 million for eight retail businesses as part of the first wave of funding. Awardees included:

Newark Culture Club – Grant Amount: $120,540 – 12 Halsey St.

Owned by Newark resident Justin Williams, the Newark Culture Club is set to become a vibrant performance space and craft cocktail bar--Hosting stand-up comedy, local artist groups, DJ sets, trivia nights and film screenings. Williams is the host of Newark’s longest-running comedy show, Brick City Comedy Revue.

Lashed Queens – Grant Amount: $38,500 – 12 Linden St.

Owned by Brittany Payton, Lashed Queens offers an upscale Beauty Bar experience, specializing in skin care and aesthetic services like eyelash extensions, waxing and nail care.

Uncle Willie’s Wing – Grant Amount: $229,495 – 113 Halsey St.

Owned by Newark resident Walter Green, Uncle Willie's Bar and Grill will provide venue space for events highlighting local painters, poets and sculptors, fostering a platform for Newark’s vibrant artistic community.

Consigliere – Grant Amount: $87,500 – 155 Washington St.

Owned by Newark resident Karl Fowlkes and operated by Terrance Wesley Campbell, Consigliere is an upscale wine and tapas bar. It will feature an extensive wine list focusing on the African diaspora and New Jersey-based wineries.

Casa De Flora – Grant Amount: $101,185 – 540 Broad St.

Owned by Maritza Walton, Casa De Flora is a retail flower boutique and coffee café, providing a welcoming space for brunch, work and events.

Katherine’s Restaurant – Grant Amount: $550,000 – 110 Edison Place

Owned by Newark resident Jason Wallace, Katherine's Restaurant & Brewery will offer American cuisine and onsite brewed signature lagers, ales and stouts.

Equal Space – Grant Amount: $625,000 – 550 Broad St.

Owned by Newark resident Citi Medina, Equal Space is a co-working space catering to entrepreneurs, founders and small businesses led by people of color, women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Delta’s – Grant Amount: $600,000 – 810 Broad St.

Owned by successful restaurateur Joshua K Suggs, Delta’s is a full-service restaurant and bar serving Southern Cuisine with live entertainment.

FUNDING IN NEWARK: ROUND TWO

A second wave of funding was announced last week. The list includes:

Melba’s Restaurant – Grant Amount: $650,000 – 550 Broad Street

Owned by Melba McGill Wilson, it was founded in Harlem in 2005. After establishing itself as a premier comfort food destination in New York City, Melba’s chose to open its second location in downtown Newark. With a commitment to exceptional customer service coupled with great food, Melba’s specializes in Southern classics.

Grill & Thrill – Grant Amount: $149,600 – 772 Broad Street

Grill & Thrill, located in a prominent location at Broad and Market Streets, will specialize in fast, casual Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant, operated by entrepreneur Kehetrin Alpar, will offer quick and convenient options inspired by the flavors and ingredients of the Mediterranean region, including dishes like falafel, shawarma, hummus, and salads, as well as breakfast items and coffee.

Isle 15 – Grant Amount: $127,060 – 18 Green Street

Owned by Stacy Eversley and Deirdresha Wint, this will be an upscale Caribbean restaurant serving food and drinks, activating multiple floors of a currently vacant building. The first floor will be a dining space, while the second floor will be an event venue. The owners previously operated the food truck YamGoWeh serving Guyanese cuisine at events throughout Essex County.

Bricks 4 Kidz Essex County – Grant Amount: $112,000 – 112 Washington Street

This center offers STEM-based edutainment classes, activities, and parties for children ages three to 13 using LEGO bricks and coding programs. The owner, Tara Williams-Harrington, is a lifelong Newark resident. The new facility will include drop-off and learn hours, party rooms, and opportunities for educational trips.

GlassRoots – Grant Amount: $110,000 – 23 William Street

This nonprofit focuses on igniting the creative and economic vitality of greater Newark through glass arts. The new street-level location in Teacher’s Village will feature visible glassblowing furnaces and provide classes, summer camps, field trips, and career development programs for youth and adults.

Honeypot Montessori – Grant Amount: $60,620 – 75 Halsey Street

This is the first nature and Montessori school in Newark, dedicated to fostering nature-immersive learning experiences for students ages three to six. Founder and Head of School Deja L. Jones, M.Ed., brings years of experience in education and youth development. Honeypot is part of the Wildflower Schools network.

Sweet Jeans Kitchen & Espresso Bar – Grant Amount: $38,500 – 494 Broad Street

Sweet Jeans Kitchen & Espresso Bar is a modern café and community space specializing in events and sweet and savory bites. Operated by Michele Harriott, an experienced baker born and raised in Newark, and Victor Joseph Soldano, this will be the pair’s first brick-and-mortar location.

The Retail Reactivation Initiative is supported by Urban Enterprise Zone funds made available through the reform law spearheaded by the late Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, city officials noted.

Applicants were eligible for up to $650,000, depending on the square footage of the space. Funds can be used for exterior and interior improvements of vacant space, or the purchase of furniture, fixtures and equipment.

“By supporting this vibrant assortment of businesses, we are not only enhancing the economic vitality of our city but also creating spaces that reflect the rich culture and community spirit of Newark,” Mayor Ras Baraka said.

“Together, we are building a brighter, more inclusive future for residents and a dynamic mecca for travelers,” Baraka said.

“These grants are not just investments in businesses, but investments in our community’s future,” agreed Marcus Randolph, president and & CEO of Invest Newark.

“Each of these companies bring something unique to Newark, and their collective successes will contribute to the overall vibrancy and economic health of our city,” Randolph said.

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