Famed Harlem restaurateur Melba Wilson announced that she’s bringing signature Melba’s Restaurant to downtown Newark, with the opening of Melba’s 550 in 550 Broad Street later this year.
The new restaurant will occupy the former First National State Bank space in the historic building, with its own, all-new entrance on Broad Street. The restaurant will offer seating in the original bank vault, providing a unique dining experience. Melba’s will also have a separate coffee shop with a takeout window on Broad Street. Details on the restaurant’s menu and design are still evolving, but Melba said they hope to have the restaurant open in late 2022.
“I eat fried chicken; you eat fried chicken and from that, we’ll build a unique experience that brings everyone together—we’re going to combine our minds and change lives,” said Wilson. “This is a very exciting moment for us; a Jewish guy from Newark and a Black woman from Harlem are showing that we all have so much in common through our love of food, family and community. The new restaurant will be in Newark, of Newark, and for Newark.”
Wilson is the founder of her eponymous Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem, New York City’s premiere comfort food destination.
550 Broad Street is owned and operated by Fidelco Realty Group, the developer of 1 Washington Park, 494 Broad Street, 15 James Street – Audible’s Innovation Cathedral, RockPlaza Lofts and other landmark Newark commercial and residential renaissance projects. The building is undergoing significant renovation and is positioned to be a business hub and restaurant destination for the neighborhood.
Architect David Rockwell of the award-winning Rockwell Group will be participating in the design of the new restaurant.