Beckoning the signature style of the diners and drive-ins of the 1950’s, Novelty Burger & Bar is the newest eatery to join the booming restaurant row on Market Street in Newark, located between Broad and Mulberry Streets. Novelty is an independently owned, family-friendly burger joint offering staple American-style burgers, hot dogs, shakes, cocktails and desserts, located in the ground floor retail space of 214 Market Street in the Newark.
Novelty Burger & Bar joins the revitalization of Newark’s historic Four Corners District that is bringing new residential and retail opportunities to the surrounding neighborhood. Novelty’s traditional American menu and welcoming vibe will provide yet another dining option as it joins Mercato Tomato Pie, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, and the soon-to-open Redd’s Biergarten. These restaurants are all located in the ground floor retail spaces of the RockPlaza Lofts development.
“There was always a special, comforting charm about the burger joints and drive-ins that I enjoyed as a kid. Knowing the history of Market Street, it seemed like the perfect fit to bring a reimagined version of those vintage restaurants back to life with Novelty,” said co-owner Bill Fonte. “We’re raising the bar on burgers and excited to add more, quality dining options to Newark.”
All Novelty burgers are crafted from 100 percent, all-natural Angus beef supplied by Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors and served up on soft buns. Diners may select one of the six specialty burgers cooked to order using the exclusive sous vide technique and finished on a high temperature griddle. Novelty will also offer Newark’s own, BEST all-beef franks, pressure-cooked wings in a variety of signature sauces, a fried chicken sandwich, savory vegetarian burger, supreme salads made from Jersey fresh grown.
Novelty is named after a once popular hotspot where the who’s who of Newark frequented. This well-known Newark institution – Novelty Grill & Bar – was formerly located at 218 Market Street right next door to Novelty Burger & Bar. The new Novelty’s charm was inspired by that same old school décor and sophistication with a full bar designed to resemble a nostalgic theater Marquee, furnished with televisions featuring unforgettable commercials of the 1950’s and 1960’s.
“It is truly rewarding to welcome new places like Novelty Burger & Bar,” said Marc E. Berson, chairman of Fidelco Realty Group, the owner and developer of RockPlaza Lofts. “Exciting cuisine and retailers help support the growth of residential development such as RockPlaza Lofts. We’re committed to the continual growth of Newark’s downtown and understand the importance and value of establishing this as a live, work, play community.”
The 2,000 square-foot Novelty Burger & Bar features a full service bar and dining room along with takeout and a limited delivery service. The restaurant embraces sustainable, green practices, using Energy Star equipment when possible, and is located in a mass transit friendly, walkable environment.
