Harlem's Melba's Restaurant Expands to Newark
Melba's Restaurant, a well-known Harlem soul food establishment, is planning to open a new location in Newark. The expansion follows the recent success of its outpost in Grand Central Terminal.
- The Newark expansion includes two distinct locations: a restaurant at the Prudential Center opening in late spring 2026 and another planned for 550 Broad Street. - The Prudential Center location will feature a 60-seat restaurant, a fast-casual spot, and a large production kitchen, which is expected to create 250 jobs and serve as a base for New Jersey catering operations. - A Melba's concession stand is already operational at the Prudential Center in Section 107, serving dishes like a Fried Chicken Sandwich, a Chicken & Waffle Bowl, and Tres Mac & Cheese. - The second Newark location, named "Melba's 550," is planned for a historic former bank building at 550 Broad Street and will feature unique design elements like seating inside the original bank vault. - In August 2024, the "Melba's 550" project at 550 Broad Street was awarded a $650,000 grant from the city of Newark's Retail Reactivation Initiative to support the build-out. - The original Melba's Restaurant was opened in Harlem in 2005 by Melba Wilson, who is the niece of Sylvia Woods, the founder of the iconic Sylvia's Restaurant. - Before opening her own restaurant, Melba Wilson developed the popular Sunday Gospel Brunch at Sylvia's and also worked at Windows on the World. - The Grand Central Terminal location, a 500-square-foot fast-casual outpost, opened in February 2025, marking a significant step in the brand's expansion.
