Several redevelopment projects have added significant retail space to Downtown Newark over the last few years, and those storefronts are now starting to fill up with a little bit of everything that should add life to the streetscape.
In Prudential’s The Shoppes at Broad development, international brand Wok to Walk will soon be opening next to Blaze Pizza just off the corner of Broad and Cedar Streets. The Asian-influenced take-away eatery has locations in places as diverse as Saudi Arabia to Ecuador to the United Kingdom. The company’s U.S. locations are all in New York City, with three spots in Union Square and Midtown.
Wok to Walk specializes in design-your-own wok where diners can pick a noodle or rice base, a protein, and eight different types of sauces. The restaurant also features several vegan dishes, vegetarian options and light, low carb food, all of which is MSG free.
Just south, the massive Teachers Village development is also starting to fill their retail space. The project’s 230 Halsey Street building will soon be home to a Tonnie’s Minis outpost, a bakery that started in the West Village back in 2006 and later expanded to Harlem and Inwood.
Despite the NYC success, founder Tonnie Rozier has Jersey roots and actually began his baking enterprise at his home in Jersey City. His business offers cupcakes and also designs custom cakes for clients, the likes of which include P. Diddy, Jay-Z, Gabrielle Union, and Reverend Run from Run DMC. The Newark outpost of Tonnie’s should open in the first quarter this year.
Just down the block, Krauszer’s will be opening their third location in Newark and their second one downtown. The 24/7 market will be on the corner of Halsey Street and Maiden Lane and sells household items and features fresh-brewed coffee, a wide array of cold beverages and snacks, and a deli counter with made-to-order sandwiches.
Additionally, a shop local initiative that aims to help entrepreneurs in the city has finally landed Downtown. The Newark Shoppes Community Storefront Initiative opened their fifth and final location last week at 744 Broad Street, with each of the city’s wards now accommodating a store. The latest spot features products from eleven different artisans that include jewelry, vintage clothing, custom designed eyewear, natural health and wellness products, designer shoes, photography, party planning, custom gift baskets, and other goods.
