GlassRoots, a nonprofit focused on igniting the creative and economic vitality of greater Newark through glass arts, is among seven new recipients of the Newark Retail Reactivation Initiative. The organization is slated to open a new street-level location at 23 William St. — Courtesy: City of Newark/Invest Newark
By Joshua Burd
Newark city officials are giving a boost to local businesses, pledging $1.2 million in funding for seven restaurants and organizations as part of a plan to activate its retail corridors.
According to a news release, grants under the Newark Retail Reactivation Initiative are meant to help merchants make exterior and interior improvements of vacant space or purchase furniture, fixtures and equipment. The latest recipients, the second group awarded under the program, included Melba’s Restaurant, Grill & Thrill, Isle 15, Bricks 4 Kidz Essex County, GlassRoots, Honeypot Montessori and Sweet Jeans Kitchen & Espresso Bar.
“This initiative spurs our progress toward infusing Newark’s downtown with the energy of diverse, local retail entrepreneurship,” Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said, announcing the grants in partnership with Invest Newark, the city’s economic development arm. “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. Together, we are building a brighter, more inclusive future for residents and a dynamic mecca for travelers.”
The city is awarding the grants using funds from the state’s Urban Enterprise Zone program, which were made available thanks to a reform law spearheaded by the late Lt. Gov. Sheila Y. Oliver. Officials last September announced the launch of the Retail Reactivation Initiative, seeking to restore the vibrancy of downtown and reduce vacancies, part of a strategy that also calls for escalating fees imposed on property owners who keep their buildings and land vacant.
The grant amounts are as follows:
- $650,000 for Melba’s Restaurant, whose 550 Broad St. location is the second for restaurateur Melba McGill Wilson after she founded the Southern-style eatery in Harlem in 2005
- $149,600 for Grill & Thrill at 772 Broad St., which will specialize in fast, casual Mediterranean cuisine as part of a concept operated by entrepreneur Kehetrin Alpar
- $127,060 for Isle 15, a planned upscale Caribbean restaurant by Stacy Eversley and Deirdresha Wint, which will activate multiple floors of a vacant building at 18 Green St.
- $112,000 for Bricks 4 Kidz Essex County, whose 112 Washington St. location will offer STEM-based edutainment classes, activities and parties for children ages 3 to 13 using LEGO bricks and coding programs
- $110,000 for GlassRoots, a nonprofit focused on igniting the creative and economic vitality of greater Newark through glass arts, which will open a new street-level location at 23 William St. in Teacher’s Village, featuring visible glassblowing furnaces and providing classes, summer camps, field trips and career development programs for youth and adults
- $60,620 for Honeypot Montessori at 75 Halsey St., the site of Newark’s first nature and Montessori school, which is dedicated to fostering nature-immersive learning experiences for students ages 3 to 6
- $38,500 for Sweet Jeans Kitchen & Espresso Bar, a modern café and community space, whose store at 494 Broad St. will be the first brick-and-mortar location for Newark native and baker Michele Harriott and Victor Joseph Soldano
The awards follow other recent additions to the city’s retail community, including Burlington Stores, JD Sports and Cold Stone Creamery, as well as new locations at Gateway Center for One Step Ahead Learning Center and the acclaimed Mökbar restaurant.
“These grants are not just investments in businesses, but investments in our community’s future,” said Marcus T. Randolph, CEO and president of Invest Newark. “Each of these companies brings something unique to Newark, and their collective successes will contribute to the overall vibrancy and economic health of our city.”
Applicants under the Retail Reactivation Grant are eligible for up to $650,000, depending on the square footage of the space, the news release said. The city has now awarded a total of $2.352 million, following the inaugural round of grants in March 2024.
Newark to provide financing, support for activating vacant storefronts downtown
