Destination Newark Spring 2024

DOWNTOWN NEWARK

MEET RESTAURANT OWNERS LOVE

ADENAH BAYOH

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER AND RESTAURANT MOGUL

WHERE TO FIND

THE BEST ICE CREAM THIS SPRING ARE CHAIN STORES MAKING A COMEBACK TO NEWARK?

5 WAYS TO ENJOY NEWARK’S OUTDOORS

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Hi there!

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

I hope you are enjoying the stories we bring you in Destination Newark magazine. I am truly enjoying publishing them. I honestly found the story about restaurant owners (new and old) loving downtown very insightful. I’ve often asked myself what makes someone stay in a city that has had such a bad reputation. What makes an entrepreneur say, “I’m going to make this work, right here in my hometown or right here in this conveniently located neighborhood.” The stories of Michael and Marc Brummer who have owned Hobby’s Delicatessen since 1962 and Adenah Bayoh who owns four IHOP franchises—two which are in Newark and several real estate developments—make me proud to have a business in Newark.

I look forward to bringing their stories to life with our new video series, Destination Newark TV, coming to YouTube and social media platforms this spring. But in the meantime, please turn to page 16 and read ‘Here’s Why Restaurant Owners (New & Old) Love Downtown Newark.’

If you have a story idea, please don’t hesitate to email me or DM us on Instagram. Our contact info is found on this page.

Until next storytime, be well.

SAKINA Publisher

Sakina with Marc (L) and Michael (R) Brummer, the owners of Hobby's Deli

ASK THE MAYOR

QDid you know that Downtown Newark has a designated Arts and Education District? It includes the Newark Museum of Art, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark Symphony Hall, Rutgers University-Newark, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Prudential Center, Seton Hall Law School, Newark School of the Arts and Mulberry Commons.

How is the Arts and Education District going to support small businesses?

Mayor Baraka: Our new initiative reflects a commitment to bring new life into vacant retail spaces and enhance Newark’s physical appearance to enrich the lives of residents, visitors, and workers. The entrepreneurs opening businesses in the heart of our Arts and Education District embody the resilience and spirit of our city. Their businesses—which range from new restaurants to spaces for artists and comedians—add even more energy to a district that has become a commercial and cultural hub.

QHow does the district serve Newark residents?

Mayor Baraka: The key is to ensure that the district serves Newark residents first, both as a center of fun and economic opportunity.

QHere’s what Mayor Ras J. Baraka says about how the district will improve business and quality of life.

Why is highlighting the arts so important to Newark and its transformation?

Mayor Baraka: By enhancing the cultural value of the city’s creative and economic life through collaboration, education, community inclusion and innovation, residents and local businesses will benefit from a new vision for the area defined by arts, culture, equity and sustainability; attracting more investment and liveable communities.

Ice cream seems to be ever-popular in Newark these days. A Cold Stone franchise held its grand opening in April to a line of people waiting in 40-degree weather. The two-hour grand opening attracted several passersby folks, including our Destination Newark crew, that decided to get a cold treat on a cold day. For anyone in the downtown area or the Central Ward, you can visit Cold Stone at 635 Broad Street, across from Military Park. The owner, Gabriel Paul, is a proud Newark native and current resident. Welcome back to the neighborhood, Gabriel! —Kayla Cole

NEIGHBORHOOD

Here are a few more popular ice cream shops around town:

Here’s Where to Find Ice Cream

NORTH WARD

M2ICE

678 Mt Prospect Ave, Newark, NJ (15 reviews) on Restaurantji

After opening almost a year ago, this Columbian shaved ice spot has become all the rave in the North Ward of Newark! Taking pride in their healthy but delicious treats, M2ICE has a menu of shaved ice creations named after some of their favorite artists including “Karol G” and “Bad Bunny.” Beyond shaved ice, M2ICE offers food options including Doritos Lokos and the M Twice Burger.

Opening day for Gabriel Paul

SOUTH WARD CENTRAL WARD

Salaam Ice Cream Parlor

1024 Bergen St, Newark, NJ (122 reviews) on Google Review

Salaam Ice Cream Parlor has become one of the South Ward’s favorite ice cream spots. The flavors, customer service and darling outdoor seating area make it well worth the travel from all over the city. In addition to their variety of toppings, waffle bowls, waffle cones, sundaes, and milkshakes, their offerings are Kosher and non-GMO. They also provide ice cream catering through

Neighborhood Scoops Ice Cream & Soup Bar

49 Halsey St, Newark, NJ (16 reviews) on Google Review

This year-round ice cream parlor offers many unique flavors to fulfill your sweet tooth. One of the fan favorites is “Trick or Treat,” a french vanilla base with a variety of Halloween candy bits. Another top pick by fans is the “Louisiana Banana,” which has a hazelnut base, mixed with pecans and fresh banana slices.

EAST WARD WEST WARD

Nasto’s

236 Jefferson St, Newark, NJ (839 reviews) on Google Review

With over 50 flavors of ice cream, 14 sorbet flavors, 18 gelato flavors, 8 Italian ice flavors, and 6 sherbet flavors, Nasto’s offers a variety of choices to satisfy whatever taste you are craving. A company that has been around for over 80 years, the Nasto family takes pride in the principle, “Always use the highest quality ingredients to produce the finest product possible,” leaving their customers satisfied with every visit.

Magic Cones Plant Based Ice Cream Parlor

550-552 Central Ave, Newark, NJ (8 reviews) on Google Review

This vegan, plant-based ice cream parlor takes pride in offering ice cream that can be enjoyed without the guilt! With a variety of sundae creations, and the option to create your own flavors, Magic Cones is well worth the trip to the western side of the city.

One of actor Tobias Truvillion’s favorite spots.

Major Taylor Cycling Club

Bike riding with a group is a great way to meet your fitness goals while exercising with others. The Major Taylor Cycling Club organizes short rides throughout Newark. Longer rides such as day tours and multi-day excursions are also available for seasoned cyclists.

HEALTH

www.majortaylorclub.com

Get Moving in Newark: Walk. Run. Cycle.

Spring has sprung and it’s time to get back outside. Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. According to the CDC, being physically active can improve brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.

And here’s the great news: you don’t have to exercise alone.

Right here in Newark there are clubs that will support you in becoming and remaining active. Challenge yourself to meet daily or weekly physical activity goals for 30 to 60 minutes a day to get your heart pumping and body moving.

Best Trails in Newark

Here are a few walking trails in Newark that you can look up at your leisure:

• Branch Brook Park

• Branch Brook Loop

• Weequahic Lake Trail

• Riverfront Park

• South Mountain Reservation

• Eagle Rock Reservation

• Watchung Reservation

Newark Introduction Walking Tour (Self-guided)

Take a self-guided walking tour of cultural and historical attractions while reaching your exercise goals. Walkers will download the GPSmyCity mobile device and navigate three miles of destinations throughout Newark.

www.gpsmycity.com

Newark Downtown District (NDD) Fitness Club

Walking is a great way to keep fit while taking in the beauty of Downtown Newark. Walking groups run from April to October and invite all walkers to join.

Meet: Tuesdays and Thursdays

12:15pm – 12:45pm & 1:15pm – 1:45pm

Location: Military Park

(By the Kennedy Monument at Raymond Blvd)

www.downtownnewark.com/ndd-programs/clubs-programs

Brick City Run Club

www.brickcityrunclub.com

Welcoming runners of all levels, the Brick City Run Club is on a mission to help Newark residents become healthy. The club offers two group run times:

#BrickCity 30 - Sundays at 9:30am

Location: Mulberry Commons

Morning Miles - Wednesdays at 7:00am

Location: Tubman Square Park — near the George Washington Monument

Simple Moves for a Healthy Heart

Here’s a message for people who want to improve their heart health: “Keep moving,” says Andre Wise, manager of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBI).

Heart disease is one of the greatest causes of death amongst people–regardless of race, gender and ethnicity–in the United States. According to the CDC, every 33 seconds, someone dies from cardiovascular disease. And here’s more: heart disease is costly. From health care support, medicines and even the loss of personal productivity, not taking care of our heart leads us to not being at our optimal health.

“People take that ability—to move without effort—for granted, but that’s what we all want to be able to do,” Wise says. “Repetitive exercises increase heart rate and strength. They will give you the ability to sustain activity for a lifetime.”

Heart-healthy exercise is getting 30 to 45 minutes of aerobic training at moderate intensity several times a week.

“For beginners, go to your tolerance,” Wise says. “Fifteen to 20 minutes is a great start. With moderate intensity exercise, you want to elevate your breathing but still be able to hold a conversation. You will develop a light sweat after about 10 minutes, but will not feel exhausted.”

COURTESY OF BRICK CITY RUN CLUB

COURTESY OF NEWARK DOWNTOWN DISTRICT

Healthy Heart Moves

Try these moves on your own suggested by Andre Wise, manager of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center:

START WITH A STRETCH

A five-minute core stretch that includes your legs, back and upper body increases blood flow and muscle tissue temperature and helps prevent injury. Stretches should be static, Wise advises. Stretch to the farthest point and hold that position for 15 to 30 seconds; don’t pull or pulse.

WALK OR RUN

AT THE GYM: Spending time on a treadmill is good for the cardiovascular system and strengthens the heart. For a more vigorous workout, use a stair climbing machine.

AT HOME: A brisk walk around your neighborhood will elevate your heart above its resting rate. If you are ready to increase the intensity of your walk, bounce a ball while moving to improve coordination.

For an indoor workout, walk a flight of stairs several times daily for at least three minutes.

ADD WEIGHT

AT THE GYM: Raise a medicine ball above your head ten times. You can also push the ball out directly in front of you.

To improve your posture and balance, raise one knee at a time or squat while holding the ball.

AT HOME: Improvise with any ball, or a water bottle or a canned good to add strength training to your workout.

See what bold choices can do for your business. Our team of visual creators can help bring your vision to life.

Why Did This Accounting Major Choose Rutgers Business School-Newark? YOUTH

Name: Shahzaib Riaz

Age: 21

Occupation: Tax Consulting Intern at PwC

Hometown: Jersey City, NJ

School: Rutgers Business School -Newark

Major: Accounting

Graduation Year: May 2025

When Shahzaib Riaz stood at a crossroads of his academic journey, he decided on Rutgers Business School in Newark, New Jersey. “I chose Rutgers University due to its renowned reputation for academic excellence and, as a Jersey City native, its convenient location, both of which aligned perfectly with my educational and logistical needs,” explains Riaz.

As a senior studying accounting with the aspiration of becoming a certified public accountant (CPA), Riaz immerses himself in business-centric workshops and student organizations. His most beneficial involvement, according to him, is joining NABA, the National Association of Black Accountants, where Riaz served as a treasurer and has made invaluable connections with guest speakers, alumni, and like-minded students. “The accessibility to various clubs provided me with a network I wouldn’t have had otherwise,” says Riaz.

He also has interned with Merck, RSM, and now interns as a tax consultant for Price Waterhouse Cooper (PwC), one of the largest accounting firms in the nation. “By gaining industry-specific knowledge and building professional networks, [this] internship equipped me with the tools and confidence necessary to succeed in my future career endeavors,” Riaz says. —Mahima Aktar

Take A Lesson in Business

HERE ARE SOME OPTIONS:

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY - NEWARK

Rutgers Business School business.rutgers.edu

The Rutgers Business School is consistently ranked in the top 100 among business schools in the U.S. The Newark campus of the Rutgers Business School offers in-person class schedules and online options for undergraduate and graduate students. Majors include accounting, finance, leadership and management, management information systems, marketing, and supply chain management. In addition, the school offers an Executive MBA program.

NJ INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Martin Tuchman School of Management management.njit.edu

NJIT’s Martin Tuchman School of Management focuses on the innovation of technology in business. The school offers a joint Bachelor of Master of Science or a Bachelor of Science/MBA program. The school offers two graduate level programs leading to an Master of Science in Management (MSM). Both programs offer courses online and oncampus.

If you are looking for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or just looking to take a refresher course online in order to improve your business knowledge, you can find it at an institution in Newark.

SETON HALL UNIVERSITY

Stillman School of Business shu.edu

Seton Hall University’s Stillman School of Business is listed among the top 100 best business schools for undergraduate studies in the U.S. The Stillman School of Business offers six graduate and three undergraduate programs integrating business concepts with technology, data and business analytics. The Stillman School of Business provides eleven undergraduate degree offerings, a 5-year BA/MBA degree, and three traditional MBA programs.

ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE

Essex County College Business Program essex.edu

The Essex County College’s Business Program offers online and inperson courses for a wide range of concentrations within the business field. Graduates can receive an Associate Degree in accounting, business administration, finance, and business administration with a concentration in hospitality management. All programs are structured to support students in transferring to a 4-year institution or into professional jobs.

BERKELEY COLLEGE

Newark, NJ College Campus berkelycollege.edu

The Larry L. Luing School of Business at Berkeley College’s Newark campus offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. In addition there is an option of receiving a Bachelor or Associate of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in management. The school offers Newark-specific grants, such as the Newark Promise Grant to help students with tuition.

PILLAR COLLEGE

The School of Leadership & Business pillar.edu

Pillar College’s School of Leadership and Business focuses on entrepreneurial and leadership skills. The school offers two online programs— the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Social Sector Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Students in the School of Leadership and Business are taught to meet realworld business challenges through a Christian lens.

LIFESTYLE Film Festivals, Exhibits and Chitchat

Two film festivals—one in its second year and the other celebrating its 50th anniversary—hit local screens this spring while an exhibit featuring iconic Newark fashion designers wraps up its presence at the Newark Museum of Art.

Newark Fashion at the Newark Museum

Running through June 2 at the Newark Museum is “The Story of Newark Fashion: Atelier to Runway,” an exhibition showcasing the long history of fashion icons in Newark from the 1950s to today. Beginning in the ateliers and classrooms of Wesley Tann and Emily Miles, groundbreaking Black designers and mentors for the next generation, this exhibit features nine contemporary designers with Newark connections: Melody Asherman, BrownMill Atelier, Douglas Says, Tyrone Chablis, Narcisco Rodriguez, Stephen Burrows, Jerry Gant, Shavi Lewis and Marco Hall.

Screening of Versailles ’73: American Runway Revolution | May 9 • 7 pm

As part of the 50th Annual Black Film Festival, there will be a screening of “Versailles ’73: American Runway,” directed by Deborah Riley Draper. The film explores a pivotal moment in history, when a fashion face-off pitted French Haute couture establishment—Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, Pierre Cardin and Emmanuel Ungaro—against American designers Anne Klein, Stephen Burrows, Oscar de la Renta and Halston.

Following the film will be a panel discussion featuring:

• Deborah Riley Draper, film director

• Pat Cleveland, fashion model, walked the runway at Battle of Versailles

• Mikki Taylor, media personality and Editor-at-Large, Essence magazine

• Kristen Joy Owens, guest curator of The Story of Newark Fashion: Atelier to Runway exhibition

Stay tuned for the 9th Annual Newark International Film Festival | September 3 - 8, 2024

Sakia Gunn Lives on at LGBTQ Film Festival

The Newark LGBTQ Film Festival is hosting its second annual event on Friday, April 26 through Sunday, April 28. The weekend will be filled with a full line up of films, panels, and special events at various venues throughout downtown Newark, all celebrating LGBTQ BIPOC films and filmmakers who are often overlooked in mainstream media.

The Newark LGBTQ Community Center, one of the sponsors for the film festival, launched in 2013 in response to the stabbing of Sakia Gunn, a 15-year-old lesbian, who was murdered in Downtown Newark after refusing the advances of a young man. Twenty years after her death, consistent lobbying by community organizers have led

to the renaming of the intersection of Halsey and Academy streets as “Sakia Gunn Way.”

Gunn’s life is being honored at this year’s festival for the second time. At the inaugural event, the documentary, “Dreams Deferred: The Sakia Gunn Film Project” was screened. This year, organizers took it a step further. Partnering with Express Newark’s Community Media Center, they offered proposals from filmmakers looking to develop projects inspired by Gunn’s life.

LGBTQ Film Festival Founder Denise Hinds says, “Being able to show the works of so many unseen BIPOC Queer Filmmakers and to do it in Newark—a place with such rich Queer history—is so fitting.” dN

APRIL

The Stroll Barrio Boy Only the Lovers Pacemaker Sakia Gunn Films such a “The Stroll,” “Barrio Boy,” “Only the Lovers” and “Pacemaker” will be featured at the second annual LGBTQ Film Festival.

Here’s Why Restaurant Owners (New & Old) LOVE Downtown Newark

by Author’s Name

by Femi Lewis

hile restaurants are notorious for being risky business as a result of ever-rising costs, access to capital, and consumer popularity, location, location, location is still everything. Several franchise and independent restaurateurs tell us the story of their love affair with Newark, especially Downtown Newark.

Marc begins to egg on his brother Michael, “Tell her what happened on Day 3,” Then, the Brummer brothers, whose family have owned Hobby’s Delicatessen since 1962, begin to recount how their dad reopened their shop during the rebellion in 1967. “The national guard closed downtown so dad had been closed for two days. On the third day, he drove around and picked up his whole staff in his station wagon,” they recounted. “Dad told the national guard, ‘I’m going in.’ We have been open from that day forward.” Check out more of our interview with the Brummer brothers at www.destinationnewark.net for more of that story.

In the meantime, read on to find out what makes restaurant mogul Adenah Bayoh build her empire in Newark, or why Tim Jensen thinks Newark is the best place for his second location. The love stories go on and on.

MARC AND MICHAEL BRUMMER, OWNERS

Hobby’s Delicatessen

Location: 32 Branford Place

Hobby’s Delicatessen stands as a timeless hub where tradition, flavor and community intertwine—an enduring symbol of Downtown Newark’s rich culinary heritage. Rated “Top Ten Delicatessen in America‘’ by Food and Wine Magazine, Hobby’s Deli has been located in Downtown Newark for over 100 years. The Brummer family has run the restaurant since 1962 and still pickles their corned beef in fifty-gallon stainless steel vats.

Though many have asked Hobby’s to move to the suburbs, the brothers share that Newark is home. Hobby’s Place, the name of the street near the delicatessen, is home.

“We’re in the middle of everything here—the state courts are over here, the Prudential Center, NJPAC, City Hall, and the federal courts—we’re centrally located here. It’s an easy place for people to get to,” says Brummer.

The Brummer family have run Hobby’s Delicatessen in Downtown Newark since 1962.

TEHSUAN GLOVER

MARY A. BROWN

MARY A. BROWN

TEHSUAN GLOVER

TIM JENSEN, OWNER

Jersey Mike’s Location: 52 New Street

In 2022, Jersey Mike’s franchise owner Tim Jensen decided to open a location in the heart of Newark’s University Heights section. His reasoning: economic redevelopment, access to college students, the Prudential Center and local hospitals.

“I have been following the developments for probably the past 10 years. I really like what’s been done on Halsey Street with the Hahnes Building renovation, the Whole Foods and the apartments throughout downtown. I thought putting a Jersey Mike’s there was a no-brainer.”

Recently, Jensen’s store partnered with The Valerie Fund at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center to benefit cancer patients and their families.

“You just have to do right by the community that you are in. I think that is a big part of our success here at Jersey Mike’s,” he says. “You just go into a community and try to do good things for the community, whether it’s sponsoring sports teams or doing fundraisers with schools. Try to make the neighborhood you’re in better and by being in it, you’ll get better.”

Tim Jensen with grandparents

DARIO, OWNER

Dario’s Tex Mex

Location: 20 Academy Street

Dario’s Tex Mex is a cherished institution that has been a flavorful cornerstone of Downtown Newark for 22 years. At the helm is owner Dario, who fancies himself a maestro of hospitality who not only knows the art of crafting mouthwatering dishes but also remembers every patron, greeting them with a personalized touch that turns each visit into a warm, familiar embrace.

“This city, and this Downtown Newark, has been instrumental for our success,” says Dario. “It’s a community that has been with us and behind us for many, many years. That’s why we’re here, and why we continue to do what we do.”

At the corner of Halsey Street, Dario’s is a bustling center of activity where the aroma of tacos, quesadillas and burritos beckon locals, workers from nearby corporations, and students from Rutgers, NJIT and Essex County College.

ADENAH BAYOH, OWNER IHOP

2 Locations:

915 Broad St (Downtown)

109 Bergen Street

When restaurateur and real estate developer Adenah Bayoh attempted to open her first IHOP, she was turned down–first by the franchise and then by seven banks because she lacked restaurant experience.

“I knew there was a community and there was a market here,” Bayoh says. “I persisted.”

Today, Bayoh is the owner of four IHOP franchises–two which are located in Newark.

When Bayoh purchased an already established restaurant at 109 Bergen Street, it was on the verge of closing. Fifty employees were expected to lose their jobs and it would have added an eye sore to the community. With Bayoh’s purchase in 2017, she was able to renovate the location, hire additional staff and revamp the menu.

Bayoh owns Brick City Vegan and Cornbread, both located at 915 Broad Street in an 84-unit residential and commercial building co-developed by Bayoh.

“Newark often does not get a fair display of humanity of the people who stayed in the city,” she says. “Newark was my safe haven for so many years. I couldn’t wait to return to this city to tell a different story— that we are people trying to build our community from nothing.”

The deck of the story

GEORGE TENEDIOS, CO-OWNER fresh&co

LOCATION: The Junction at Gateway Center, Floor 2

As a college student at nearby Fairleigh Dickinson University, fresh&co co-founder George Tenedios, discovered that a lifestyle brand offering healthy and casual food options was scant. In 2010, Tenedios founded fresh&co as a family-owned restaurant group.

It now has 17 locations in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Florida. Partnering with local farmers, the franchise is providing

hyper-local seasonal fruits and vegetables to its restaurants.

Tenedios decided to open the fresh&co location in The Junction at Gateway because of its proximity to Newark Penn Station, the transit hub that sees 50,000 commuters daily.

“I was very intrigued (when presented with The Junction location) because at that point we weren’t in the New Jersey market, we were only in New York and Florida,” Tenedios says. “It’s close enough to Manhattan where we already had a brand identity. Whether you work in an office or live in the area or are just commuting back and forth via Newark Penn Station, we bring a healthy perspective to what breakfast, lunch, and dinner could look like.”

CHAINS MAKE A RETURN TO AFTER LONG ABSENCE

Bof Market and Halsey Streets, the department store was a staple in the downtown area. But over the years, the allure of Bamberger’s shifted. And by 1992 when it closed, it had been renamed Macy’s and was a one-level discount store for the chain. Bamberger’s decline and ultimate closing was a reflection of Downtown Newark’s demise. A series of events—urban flight, the 1967 rebellion, and the growth of suburban malls—all made shopping in Downtown Newark less desirable. And by 1992, all three department stores that were once anchors for the downtown area—Bamberger’s, Hahne & Company, and Kresge’s—had closed, leaving Downtown Newark filled with big empty vacant spaces.

price retailer was coming to Downtown Newark as far back as 2017. It was not until 2022 that the Fort Lee-based developers began laying the foundation for the chain to have a presence on Broad Street.

Grand Opening, Grand Closing

In 2000, as talk of change in Newark began to rumble, a new type of chain came forward to support the beginnings of its revival. With mellow music, coffee and tables that were available for either a workday break, a business meeting or in some cases, a workspace, Starbucks became a meeting place on Broad Street.

Pictured above: Former Bamberger building exterior (above) and interior of the main lobby (right) which still occupies Market, Washington and Halsey streets.

TO NEWARK

by Femi Lewis

Spring 2024

For eight years, Starbucks was a staple on Broad Street until corporate leadership decided to shut down the Broad Street branch in 2008 as part of a mass closing of 600 retail stores. At the same time, other retailers such as Old Navy and FedEx/Kinko’s also left the area. The prospect of large retailers returning and remaining in the area appeared to be dismal again.

Fast Forward to 2024

Downtown Newark’s revival is on the upswing. The population in Newark has grown by 12.4 percent since 2010 with its population at more than 300,000. In Downtown Newark alone, there are over 75 residential buildings present, renting 5,526 apartments, according to the Downtown Newark Rental Market Report published by Newark Downtown District. An influx of 200,000 commuters enter the downtown area daily. Furthermore, universities account for an additional 60,000 students in the area. The increased residential population coupled with daily commuters has corporate chains rethinking the possibilities in Downtown Newark.

Starbucks returned to Broad Street in Newark in 2015, and has now opened four other locations throughout town including Rutgers-Newark, and the Gateway Center at Penn Station.

The Hahne & Company building reopened in 2017. While it is no longer a department store, it is home to a mix of residential dwellings and offers 75,000 square feet of retail space on Broad Street. On the street level of the building is its anchor, the grocery chain, Whole Foods Market. The opening of Whole Foods Market in a 29,000 square foot space helped to shrink Newark’s food desert by offering healthier food options such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

While the days of multiple department stores being the anchor of downtown Newark are long gone, the sustainability of Whole Foods to stay for seven years, the buzz of Burlington breaking ground, and the multiple Starbucks locations popping up is a strong sign of Newark’s major retail reemergence. dN

Hahne & Company Building with Whole Foods

Broad Street Starbucks

Bringing Smiles Downtown

by Femi Lewis

Newark native Dr. Webb found her calling in Guatemala to practice dentistry back home

Newark native and pediatric dentist Dr. Suffiyah Webb always knew when the time was right, she’d open a practice Downtown Newark.

“I always wanted to come back to Newark and I always wanted to be an entrepreneur,” Webb says. “Why not go back home and do it?”

Webb was born in Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. She was raised in Newark’s South Ward in Seth Boyden Terrace, and attended Dayton Elementary School and Chad Science Academy before heading off to Montclair State University on the pre-medicine track.

As a college student participating in a medical trip to Guatemala, Webb was paired with a dentist. It was there that she realized that dentistry was her calling. She went on to graduate from Howard University School of Dentistry in 2009 and came home to Newark to complete her general practice residency at Newark Beth Israel. A certification in pediatric dentistry and a master’s of public health from the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey followed in 2013. In her early career, Webb served as a dentist in Newark Public Schools and traveled throughout New Jersey providing pediatric dentistry services.

Today Webb runs Brilliant Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, a practice focused on the unique needs and wellness of children. Located in the Teacher’s Village development in Downtown Newark, the practice is easily accessible to all of the city’s residents.

“Downtown Newark, like most downtowns, is the hub of the city,” says Webb. “Every bus line is coming down here, people come downtown to shop, they come downtown to eat, they come downtown for school, and they come down here for health.”

In operation since 2020, the practice offers traditional pediatric dental services with flair. The office is always vibrating with tunes— from Afrobeats to club music. There’s art on loan from the Newark

Museum and it's not uncommon for an aromatherapy candle to be burning. The purpose: deliver a relaxing space to Newark children.

“I really enjoy the environment that I’ve been able to cultivate,” she said. “I’m a children’s dentist. No one is excited about coming to the dentist. We do our best to provide a great environment where they can get treatment. It is a space I’m proud of.”

Webb’s work as a dentist is not limited to her practice. Following the pandemic, she discovered that children’s dental health had deteriorated and the need for sedation was greater than ever before. Remembering her experiences as a school dentist, Webb began reaching out to head start programs to provide dental services. Her first school based program was The Leaguers.

“Dental disease impacts children disproportionately affecting poor children and minorities but it is preventable,” she says. “My practice model is prevention-based. I advocate for us to take care of things that are silently brewing, not when they are obvious.”

Webb now offers dental services to various municipalities at 97 sites throughout New Jersey with her team of dentists and hygienists. Both insured and uninsured children are able to receive cleanings and fluoride treatments.

With a busy practice and outreach services throughout Newark, Webb is busy yet committed to her city.

“I’m a trained dentist but I’m also a child advocate,” Webb says. “I’m a community member trained to help in my way.” dN

Outdoor Dining It’s Time for

by Kelly Outing

Our in-house foodie Kelly Outing takes us to some of their favorite spots

Picture this: A tapestry of sunkissed brunches, or evenings wrapped in the caress of a gentle breeze. As the Cherry Blossoms at Newark’s Branch Brook Park unfurl their delicate petals and paint the air with whispers of spring, it’s a cue that Newark’s vibrant culinary landscape coupled with outdoor seating is now available.

Throughout Newark, eateries tell a story of culture and tradition. From Spanish tapas, vegan delights, and sushi platters, every craving can find its match. Add a glass of wine and outdoor dining, and you’re in for a treat at any of these establishments.

73 Warwick St, Newark, NJ (970 reviews) on Yelp

Enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine amidst a charming outdoor backyard setting just a few steps from the Prudential Center. With an extensive offering of tapas, seafood bisque, and vegan/vegetarian options, the restaurant offers a rotating weekly menu.

Casa d'Paco

Casa d'Paco

BluePrint Cafe

369 Raymond Blvd, Newark, NJ

Delight in a fusion of traditional brunch and American diner staples with many vegan options. Enjoy everything from Brioche french toast, omelettes and burgers to vegan chicken and waffles on the cafe's raised outdoor veranda while the calm of traffic passes below.

Hai Sushi Lounge

33 Patterson St, Newark, NJ

184 Reviews) on Yelp (102 reviews) on Google Review

Nico Kitchen and Bar

1 Center St, Newark, NJ

(1792 reviews) on Open Table

Satisfy yourself with a burger, pizza, steak frites or other American menu favorites for lunch, dinner, or happy hour as you indulge in a cocktail on the outdoor patio adjacent to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC).

Savor exquisite sushi rolls and Japanese cuisine al fresco. While relaxing outside on their quaint side-street, you can enjoy all-you-can-eat sushi platters and Nutella rolls paired with the Hai Sangria or Sunomono Gin.

Newark native Kelly Outing developed a profound appreciation for diverse cuisines, from Southern classics like oxtails and collard greens to international delights like coxinhas and natas, while growing up in the South and East Wards. As a writer and poet, they captivate audiences with their performances at Cry Out Cave, Newark’s premier poetry club. They also contribute to community engagement through their role at EqualSpace, where they collaborate with their team to host various events.

Sol-Mar

267 Ferry St, Newark, NJ

(109 reviews) on Open Table

Experience authentic Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisines at this charming seafood restaurant. The indoor decor is delightfully coordinated to match the authenticity of the menu while the outdoor sidewalk cafe is a great spot to catch the sites on bustling Ferry Street.

Laughter, Music and Dance ENTERTAINMENT

AAlvin Ailey American Dance Theater

t NJPAC, laughter, music and dance are all blooming this spring and summer through beloved traditions, nostalgic entertainment and new innovative festival concerts.

May 10 - 12

Performances by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater are an annual Mother’s Day weekend highlight, taking place May 10 - 12. This iconic modern dance company, and Principal Resident Affiliate of NJPAC, promotes the uniqueness of the African American cultural experience. NJPAC is hosting the conclusion of their 65th-anniversary tour with two New Jersey premieres and a powerful new production in celebration of this year’s Max Roach centennial birthday. The New Jersey Ballet is on their toes this Spring, celebrating its 65 year legacy with the performance Murder Ballades. Inspired by American folk songs, the performance integrates high fashion with contemporary ballet

70’s Soul Jam

June 1

The month of June kicks off with 70’s Soul Jam, an allstar lineup of R&B and Philadelphia soul groups with performances by The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Sonny Bivins and The Manhattans and Peaches & Herb. This show will get you swaying in your seat and will take you back to a decade when mutton chops, mustaches and funk and soul reigned supreme.

North to Shore Festival

June 23 - 30 (Newark)

The North to Shore Festival produced by NJPAC is a three-city festival that will fill June with concerts, film screenings, conversations and more. Starting in Asbury Park (June 10 – 16), then moving to Atlantic City (June 17 –23), the festival concludes in Newark (June 23 – 30).

The festival celebrates the diversity of talent in the Garden State with a mix of headliners and local talent, many of whom are showcased in free community events.

North to Shore is a fun and accessible way to see big names and discover new favorites.

At locations throughout Newark, come laugh with Kevin Hart, Zarna Garg, Sommore, Stephen Colbert and Gabriel Iglesias

If it’s tunes you’re after, there’s hip hop legends Jeezy and Scarface, rock group Matchbox Twenty and the “Queen of Neo Soul” Erykah Badu. There’s jazz, punk rock, classical, country and that’s just music. The North to Shore line-up features dance, yoga, play readings, visual art, poetry, technology, storytelling and salon conversations.

Visit NorthToShore.com for tickets and up-to-date artist information.

Visit NJPAC’s free Wellness Fair

On April 17, NJPAC is offering free and creative health resources including vision screenings, chair massage, mental health tips and aphasia information. In addition you will find out how the performing arts make you healthier, with their Arts & WellBeing programming! The fun attractions include yoga, dance breaks and a “Passport to Health” bingo card with raffle prizes including two-round trip domestic tickets on United Airlines!

alvin ailey american may 10 – 12 dance theater

new jersey ballet

Fri, May 3 @ 7:30PM

Sat, May 4 @ 1PM

New Jersey Ballet performs Harrison Ball’s Purcell Suite, Justin Peck’s Murder Ballades, and a world premiere work.

See for yourself why it’s THE FESTIVAL ONLY JERSEY COULD HANDLE!

Samara Joy Sun, Jun 23 @ 7PM

Zarna Garg Fri, Jun 28 @ 7PM

Brothers Osborne Might As Well Be Us Tour Fri, Jun 28 @ 8PM

Sommore Sat, Jun 29 @ 7 & 9:30PM

A Conversation with Stephen Colbert and special guest Sat, Jun 29 @ 8PM

Kevin Smith Jersey Sure Sun, Jun 30 @ 3PM

Sat, Jun 1 @ 8PM

It’s an all-star 70’s Soul Jam with The Stylistics, The Delfonics, The Manhattans and Peaches & Herb.

john crist

The Emotional Support Tour

Sat, Jun 8 @ 8PM

No stranger to controversy, the popular comedian talks candidly about everything from religion to rehab.