Brick City Vegan Brings Healthy, Plant-Based Options To Newark

NEWARK, N.J. — When Adenah Bayoh began experiencing persistent digestive issues, she never imagined the solution would inspire one of Newark’s most beloved vegan restaurants.

Bayoh, owner of Brick City Vegan, said the idea for the restaurant grew out of a personal health journey. After working with doctors to identify the cause of her symptoms, she began eliminating foods from her diet.

“When I got to the point where I eliminated all animal products from my body, my symptoms just evaporated,” Bayoh said. “I started saying to myself, what if there are other people in my community dealing with similar things but don’t have access to really clean vegan food?”

That realization led Bayoh to partner with chef Mecca, whom she described as a culinary genius, to create a vegan concept focused on fresh, nutritious meals rather than heavily processed alternatives. The restaurant originally launched under the name Urban Vegan before being rebranded as Brick City Vegan, a nod to Newark’s nickname and Bayoh’s deep connection to her hometown.

“I’m from Newark, so everything I do starts with Newark,” she said. “If I can make it in Newark, I can make it anywhere.”

Located in Downtown Newark, Brick City Vegan has developed a loyal customer base and earned strong reviews from patrons seeking healthier dining options. Bayoh said community support has been one of the driving forces behind the restaurant’s continued operation despite the challenges of running a vegan business.

“The ingredients are expensive. It’s very hard for us to source ingredients that are non-GMO and not full of junk,” she said. “It’s one of the brands that costs me so much money, but what keeps me going is what it has become to the community.”

The restaurant’s menu features plant-based versions of familiar comfort foods, including a vegan Philly cheesesteak, tacos, burgers and sandwiches. Among customer favorites is the vegan Philly cheesesteak, while Bayoh’s current go-to menu item is the restaurant’s fish sandwich made with plant-based ingredients. Bayoh said the key to recreating traditional dishes is focusing on flavor and preparation.

“Our Philly cheesesteak is oats that we process, let sit overnight and season,” she said. “You’re eating oatmeal, and you think it’s meat.”

As a Black-owned business operating in the vegan food industry, Bayoh said representation matters.

“Whenever we can participate in a sector that typically hasn’t thought of us as participants and make a seat at the table, it’s always an honor,” she said.

She also hopes Brick City Vegan helps challenge misconceptions about vegan food, particularly within Black communities.

“People think it’s boring, but it’s not true,” Bayoh said. “You can come in and get hearty food that’s nourishing to your body and tastes really good.”

The restaurant’s staff often offers samples to first-time customers who may be skeptical about trying plant-based meals. Bayoh said introducing people to flavorful vegan options can change perceptions and encourage healthier eating habits.

“I want Brick City Vegan to hold space,” she said. “We need to create spaces where we’re giving options to people in our community.”

One of her proudest moments came when a former employee told her that working at the restaurant had changed her relationship with food.

“When I started working here, I didn’t think I could be vegan,” the employee told Bayoh. Months later, she said she had gone extended periods without eating meat because she enjoyed the restaurant’s offerings.

Bayoh plans to continue expanding the brand while staying true to its mission of providing healthy vegan food. This summer, Brick City Vegan is launching a fresh juice program featuring house-made beverages, ginger shots and fruit-based juices.

“We’re going to continue to explore the brand, continue to stay relevant to our mission and remain a staple in the city of Newark,” Bayoh said.

Years from now, Bayoh hopes customers remember Brick City Vegan as more than just a restaurant. She envisions it as a place known for its atmosphere, sense of community and commitment to serving food that nourishes both body and soul.

“I want people to say they came to this really beautiful place, with the plants, the vibe and the atmosphere, and they had some of the most amazing food,” she said. “And that place was in Newark.”

This story is part of NJ Urban News’ Black Business Spotlight, uplifting Black-owned excellence across New Jersey. Know a business we should feature? Email us at editorial@njurbannews.com