Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker is a staunch promoter and advocate for the creation of minority owned businesses in his city, New Jersey?s largest. Following through on campaign pledges to bring minority and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBE) back to Newark, Booker recently welcomed the city?s newest small business, the Brick City Coffee Co. (www.brickcitycoffee.com).
Brick City Coffee is located on the ground level of the Prudential Center in the heart of the city. It is a joint venture between owner Laurel Austin Sherrill and the New Jersey Devils hockey team. Financing was provided by City National Bank of New Jersey, the nation?s third largest African-American-owned bank with more than $500 million in assets. The business provides upscale and flavored coffees, cappuccinos and pastries to the weekly downtown Newark crowd. It employs about 15 people. While it may not be able to compete with mega coffee chains, such as Starbucks, some expect it to be able to hold its own during these tough economic time, at least initially.
?This small business will put the fuel in the engine of Newarkers and continue to drive us towards a safer, stronger, prouder city,? Booker said.
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Photo Caption: Mayor Cory A. Booker (left) stands with Brick City Coffee Company Owner Laurel Sherrill, Chairman and Managing Partner, Devils Arena Entertainment Jeff Vanderbeek, Vice Chairman, Devils Arena Entertainment Mike Gilfillan, Mary Jane Austin, mother of Laurel Sherrill, and Council Member-at-Large Carlos M. Gonzalez at the Grand Opening of Brick City Coffee Company on Thursday, October 22, 2009.? The coffee shop is located on the ground level of Prudential Center?s Ford Lincoln Mercury VIP Parking, and will employee 15 workers, who are either residents or students in Newark. Brick City Coffee 01
