Sweet T’s Southern Eatery Brings Soul Food With Substance To Teaneck

Nestled on West Englewood Avenue in Teaneck, Sweet T’s Southern Eatery isn’t just serving food,  it’s serving legacy, love, and culture. Co-owned by partners in business and in life, Tonza Houston and Dre Perrin, the soulful restaurant is an expansion of their original Montclair location and stands proudly as a Black-owned beacon of community, culture, and culinary excellence.

At its heart, Sweet T’s has a mission to reclaim and elevate Southern cuisine, a genre often missing from the mainstream landscape of multicultural dining. 

“You can find Italian, Chinese, and Japanese food anywhere, but rarely do you see Southern soul food represented at that level,” Dre explained. “We wanted to change that.”

Their goal is to create an experience that’s not only rooted in flavor but also in community uplift and representation. That’s why their Teaneck grand opening included a block party with over 40 local vendors. Sweet T’s opened its Teaneck location earlier this year, building on the success of its Montclair debut in 2021. It’s already made waves not just for the food, but for the culture it uplifts.

“We shouldn’t have to cross a bridge to get good soul food in a nice environment,” said Tonza. “We’re reclaiming space for Southern cuisine and doing it with elegance.”

Soul Food, Reimagined 

Sweet T’s doesn’t cut corners. Everything is made from scratch: from the hand-whipped strawberry butter to the perfectly tender yams made with brown sugar instead of white. Even the lemonade is freshly squeezed.

“We’re a pork-free restaurant. We cut back on sodium, avoid canned ingredients, and still keep the flavor authentic,” Dre explained. “We’re not just feeding people — we’re nourishing them.”

Forget the cliché of greasy, guilt-laden comfort food. Sweet T’s proves soul food can be both indulgent and intentional. 

“We wanted to hold on to the dishes that remind us of our grandmothers’ kitchens but do it in a way that honors our health too,” Tonza said.

The result? A menu that brings people home, whether it’s their first bite or their hundredth.

From Montclair to Teaneck: Expanding the Vision

Unlike the grab-and-go model many are used to, Sweet T’s offers a sit-down dining experience.  Teaneck’s location now includes a full bar, a new addition from Montclair’s BYOB setup, offering signature cocktails like spiked teas and Champagne-topped drinks named after Dre’s musical inspirations.

Teaneck isn’t just a second location, it’s personal. Tonza and Dre both grew up in Teaneck. Opening a Sweet T’s here was a full-circle moment.

“We took everything we learned in Montclair and brought it back home,” Tonza said.

The addition has opened the door for a growing nightlife component. Happy hours. Bingo nights. Date nights. “We’re creating space for joy,” Dre said. “Not just food — experiences.”

The Challenge of Serving “Your Own”

Despite their success, the journey hasn’t been easy. Dre explained that one of the most difficult hurdles has been winning the trust and support of their own community—something that might seem like a given but often comes with higher expectations and tougher scrutiny.

“We hold Black-owned businesses to different standards. People will ask for substitutions they’d never request at chain restaurants. They’ll complain about pricing without understanding that we use premium ingredients,” Dre said.

Tonza added, “There’s this idea that soul food should always be cheap or come in a Styrofoam container. But we’re redefining that, we’re proving we deserve nice things too.”

Lessons in Love, Business, and Balance

Running two locations while being life partners isn’t without friction. “We’re both perfectionists, and that can cause tension,” Tonza said. “But we’ve learned how to prioritize the business and our team.” While Montclair now runs smoothly thanks to trusted staff, Teaneck,the “new baby”, demands their attention. They alternate shifts, constantly refining systems and supporting each other.

Their biggest reward is seeing people take that first bite and smile, Dre said.

“Or when someone says it reminds them of their grandma. That’s priceless,” Tonza added.

What’s Next for Sweet T’s?

Looking forward to the future, Tonza and Dre have big plans. More events. More community partnerships. And eventually, more locations. But for now, they’re focused on perfecting the vibe in Teaneck and continuing to build a brand rooted in love, quality, and Black cultural pride.

“People walk in and say, ‘Thank you for bringing this here. We needed this.’ That’s the reward,” Tonza said. “It means everything.”

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