Friday, August 1, 2014

Newark News Roundup: New Chipotle, Boat and Trolley Tours


Chipotle Mexican Grill has opened a new location in Downtown Newark. The restaurant opened on July 19 at 222 Market Street. "We are excited to be a part of the community", said Danielle Winslow of Chipotle. "We look to put restaurants in locations where a high volume of our customers are, specifically in urban and suburban areas with strong residential and daytime populations. Newark was a perfect fit for us." The new location is within the RockPlaza Lofts development, near Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and the SEED Gallery. Chipotle currently has two other Essex County locations in West Orange and West Caldwell. The new restaurant is hiring crew members.

A variety of events will be taking place in August at the riverfront along the Passaic River in Newark's Ironbound District. Every Monday, there will be free yoga classes from the Newark Yoga Movement at the Riverfront Meadow, in addition to free Zumba classes every Tuesday. Newark Riverfront Revival will conduct 90 minute kayak tours of the Passaic River on Saturday, August 16, and 7 mile boat tours of the Port of Newark will take place on Saturday, August 23. Kayak and boat tours cost $15, however tickets are only $5 for Newark residents. Tickets for both tours must be purchased in advance. Those interested can call (201) 341–2311 or email newarkriverfront@gmail.com. Riverfront Park is located along Raymond Boulevard opposite Somme Street.

A new crowdfunding campaign aims to create a trolley bus tour of Newark. The campaign was started by resident Charley Cano, and aims to reach $50,000 by August 21. 

"For the past four years I have been trying to think of a way to get more people from out of town to come visit Newark and actually explore the downtown areas beyond Prudential Center and NJPAC", said Cano in an email to Essex County Place. "Last year I held a few pop-up art events and some real estate open houses. During my research and observations I noticed an increase in international visitors and folks from other states. I was strengthened in my belief that Newark will be the next great downtown". 

According to Cano, a route has been mapped out for the trolley to stop at several unique arts and cultural institutions, galleries, restaurant and shopping districts, performing arts venues and outdoor sculpture sites. "The tour would also promote the city of Newark as a whole, as a place to actually come visit and experience, and not just a cheaper hotel room or transportation stop on the way to New York", Cano added. "I want to show the world that downtown Newark is actually a safe, fun, interesting and beautiful place".

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