Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Audible CEO Bob Carrigan, Invest Newark CEO Marcus Randolph and local government, corporate and community stakeholders celebrated the opening of Sweet Jeans Kitchen + Espresso Bar — the first retail business in Audible’s Business Attraction Program and first recipient of Newark’s Retail Reactivation Initiative. Sweet Jeans Kitchen is located at 494 Broad Street, a property owned by Fidelco Realty Group.
The ribbon-cutting event marked a milestone in the growth of Newark’s small-business ecosystem. Sweet Jeans is the first retail business to be supported by Audible’s Business Attraction Program and the first recipient of the City’s and Invest Newark’s Retail Reactivation Initiative. Together, these programs are transforming Newark’s downtown into a thriving hub for local businesses, entrepreneurs and inclusive economic development.
“As we continue to grow the Business Attraction Program, we remain focused on supporting businesses that enhance the economic vitality and cultural vibrancy of Newark,” said Aisha Glover, Audible’s global head of urban innovation.
“Newark’s transformation is fueled by bold, innovative businesses and passionate entrepreneurs. This expansion is about more than commerce—it’s about investing in the city and creating spaces that are community-focused, inclusive, and inspiring.”
For Sweet Jeans co-founder Michele Vaccari Harriott, opening in Newark is about more than just business — it’s about community. “We wanted to create a space where people feel at home and where they can connect over great food, coffee and conversation,” said Harriott. “With the support from Audible, the City and Invest Newark, we’re building something special — something that brings people together. And even sweeter that it’s my hometown.”
“We call economic movements like this ‘business attraction programs,’ but they are so much more than that,” said Mayor Baraka. “They are all about real people who walk our Newark streets — real people who sculpt their visions and talents into reality. What Michele Vaccari Harriott and [Sweet Jeans business partner] Victor Soldano, Audible and Invest Newark have done is to breathe their aspiration and vitality into our city. This is the ever-dynamic Newark that evolves through City Hall’s constant call for collaboration, cooperation and community — and I congratulate them all.”
Marcus Randolph shared, “Congratulations to Michele and Victor for their entrepreneurial spirit and resilience in bringing their creative, community-focused vision to life in the heart of Newark. We are proud to have supported their journey alongside the City of Newark, Audible and other partners. This opening is a powerful reflection of the ongoing transformation of Newark’s downtown, and we look forward to seeing Sweet Jeans thrive as a part of the community.”
Kerri Levine, principal at Fidelco Realty Group, spoke at the event, as well.
Audible’s efforts are part of its broader commitment to the revitalization of Newark, where the company has been headquartered since 2007. Its award-winning Business Attraction Program aims to spur economic development in Newark by offering financial incentives and resources to tech startups and retail companies looking to relocate or expand within the city.
Newark and Invest Newark’s Retail Reactivation Initiative complements this work by bringing more retail, cultural and food experiences downtown while improving aesthetics, safety and quality of life. These initiatives strengthen Newark’s small-business landscape and foster a thriving local economy by turning long-vacant storefronts into vibrant community spaces.
Watch:
Inside Sweet Jeans’ grand opening: Business attraction initiatives make it possible
