Chef Samuelsson bringing a new BBQ concept to Newark (slideshow) (updated)

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Celebrity chef and restauranteur Marcus Samuelsson is launching a new barbecue concept in Newark.

Scheduled to open March 23 at 56 Halsey St., Vibe BBQ is a casual, family-friendly restaurant featuring house-smoked meats and classic American comfort food.

Serving lunch and dinner daily, the menu includes smoked chicken wings, hot cauliflower bites, pulled pork sandwiches, Texas toast smoked brisket sandwiches, barbecue cauliflower, greens and macaroni & cheese. Meat options range from dry rubbed spare rubs to chopped brisket, jerk chicken and smoked beef sausage. Meats are available for purchase a la carte or by the tray.

Vibe BBQ will also have dishes for kids as well as desserts. A bar will serve local craft beer, cocktails and wine.

Samuelsson, who was born in Ethiopia and raised in Sweden before moving to the United States, has received eight James Beard Foundation Awards, cooked for President Barack Obama and won numerous competitions, including Top Chef Masters and Chopped All-Stars.

BBQ culture

Commenting on Vibe BBQ’s upcoming launch Samuelsson said, “I’ve been in this country over 30 years, and BBQ has been one of the cuisines that I have loved most. It’s a food that is known as classic American with roots and inspiration from all over the world.”

“For me, BBQ is about the culture, the taste, the feel and the vibe. Eating with hands, eating outside, eating in someone’s backyard with family and friends. I’m drawn to the vibe of BBQ which is where the name comes from. BBQ culture lives here like nowhere else,” he said.

Samuelsson’s Harlem, N.Y.-based restaurant group’s portfolio also includes Marcus Live! Bar & Grille. The experiential dining concept opened in November 2023 at American Dream in East Rutherford.

With its kitchen in the middle of the space, diners have a front-row seat to the action as chefs create some of Samuelsson’s most celebrated dishes, like hot honey chicken, jerk pork belly wraps and cornbread waffles.

Reinventing the space

Vibe BBQ takes over space formerly occupied by Samuelsson’s first restaurant in Newark, Marcus B&P, according to a spokesperson for the restaurant group.

It’s unclear why Marcus B&P decided to shutter. The restaurant closed earlier this month after nearly seven years in business.

Following its grand opening, Vibe BBQ will be open Monday through Thursday from noon to 9 p.m. as well as Friday and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday hours are expected soon.

Takeout, delivery and catering will also be available, along with a 3 to 6 p.m. happy hour daily.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 11:41 a.m. ET March 20, 2024, to reflect new Thursday hours for the restaurant.