Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Invest Newark pledged $1.2 million in funding to a group of local small businesses as part of their efforts to reinvigorate the Brick City’s downtown retail options.

Seven grantees will share the funds. Announced Aug. 21, this is the second group of awardees to benefit from the Retail Reactivation initiative.

Launched last September by the city and its economic development component, Invest Newark, the program aims to diversify the shopping, eating and cultural experiences downtown. Along with a first batch of awards granted in March 2024, so far the effort has doled out $2.35 million.

The latest Retail Reactivation Grant round will benefit:

Melba’s Restaurant – 550 Broad St.

Grant Amount: $650,000

Owned by Melba McGill Wilson and specializing in Southern classics, Melba’s was founded in Harlem in 2005. After establishing itself as a premier comfort food destination in New York City, the eatery chose to expand with its second location in downtown Newark. 

Grill & Thrill  – 772 Broad St.

Grant Amount: $149,600

Located in a prominent location at Broad and Market streets, the restaurant will specialize in fast-casual Mediterranean cuisine. Operated by entrepreneur Kehetrin Alpar, Grill & Thrill will serve dishes like falafel, shawarma, hummus and salads, as well as breakfast items and coffee.

Isle 15  – 18 Green St.

Grant Amount: $127,060

Owned by Stacy Eversley and Deirdresha Wint, this forthcoming upscale Caribbean restaurant will serve food and drinks, activating multiple floors of a currently vacant building. The first floor will feature 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  – 112 Washington St.

Grant Amount: $112,000

This center offers STEM-based edutainment classes, activities and parties for children ages 3-13 using LEGO bricks and coding programs. 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 – 23 William St.

Grant Amount: $110,000

This nonprofit focuses on inspiring 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– 75 Halsey St.

Grant Amount: $60,620

This is the first nature and Montessori school in Newark, dedicated to fostering nature-immersive learning experiences for students ages 3-6. Founder and Head of School Deja L. Jones brings years of experience in education and youth development. Honeypot is part of the Wildflower Schools network.

Sweet Jeans Kitchen & Espresso Bar –  494 Broad St.

Grant Amount: $38,500

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.

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

Retail Reactivation applicants are eligible for up to $650,000, depending on the size of their space. Funds may be used for exterior and interior improvements to vacant spaces, or to purchase furniture, fixtures and equipment.

More downtown action

Audible reveals the latest startups receiving support: To keep and locate companies in the Brick City, the Business Attraction program offers grants up to $250,000 to enterprises looking to grow or establish roots in Newark. Read more here.