(NEWARK, NJ) -- Taino’s Kitchen, a family-owned Puerto Rican restaurant that has operated since 2014 on Mount Prospect Avenue in the North Ward of Newark has now expanded to Downtown Newark. Taino’s Kitchen opened its second location at 85 Halsey Street, on the corner of Halsey Street and Linden Street. Taino’s first location is located at 849 Mount Prospect Avenue. Signature dishes at the restaurant will be mofongo and traditional appetizers such as alcapurrias, empanadas and relleno de papa.   

At a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on January 9, 2023, attendees were treated to tastes of Taino’s Kitchen signature dishes and music. The Ribbon Cutting event was attended by Honorable Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Deputy Mayor for Community Engagement Jacqueline Quiles, and the CEO of Invest Newark Marcus Randolph among other community partners and supporters.  

“We’re super excited to bring Taino’s Kitchen to the heart of Newark.  It fills our hearts with much pride to share a piece of Puerto Rico with downtown Newark and showcase our roots, culture, pride and most importantly our authentic flavor with Tainos Kitchen restaurant. As a young Latina entrepreneur, I feel blessed to open Taino’s Kitchen, “The shortcut to Puerto Rico,” in downtown Newark,” shared Mayttee Cordero, owner of Taino’s Kitchen.

“Taino’s Kitchen already represents the culinary talent, business expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit of our city’s Puerto Rican community at its original site,” Mayor Baraka said. “The restaurant’s expansion to our downtown will add to its luster as an attraction to visitors and enhance the neighborhood’s economy. I congratulate the family on opening this new location. I look forward to the positive impact that the new Taino’s Kitchen will have on our city as a whole and our downtown in particular,” stated the Honorable Mayor Ras J. Baraka. 

“Congratulations to Taino’s Kitchen on starting their second restaurant. They are a great addition to the neighborhood and their menu is sure to please residents of and visitors to Newark alike. Opening a business requires hard work, dedication, and huge sacrifices of social and family life. When the efforts reach success and completion, we should always celebrate the with our friends and family,” shared Deputy Mayor for Community Engagement Jacqueline Quiles.

“Today we celebrated the success story of a Newark resident and business owner reaching a milestone – opening a second location. We celebrate their investment in Newark, and wish them much success in the New Year,” said Marcus Randolph, CEO and President of Invest Newark.

Invest Newark, the City of Newark’s Economic Development Corporation, propels the City’s strong and diverse economy, builds vibrant communities, and creates opportunities for all Newarkers. Invest Newark supports small, women and minority-owned businesses, invests in world-class internet service, spurs real estate development and executes economic development activities to produce and sustain economic growth, generate jobs and create wealth for the citizens of Newark.