Barber To Open Soul Food Restaurant In Bergen County

TEANECK, NJ — A longtime Bergen County barber and businessman is about to open a new venture: A soul food restaurant serving up everything but pork.

Sweet T’s Southern Eatery in Teaneck will open its doors in early February, a spokesperson said.

The eatery is the latest venture by Dre Perrin, the owner of BeSpoke Men’s Grooming—Teaneck’s oldest Black-owned business—and Tonza Houston.

"Sweet T’s Southern Eatery redefines soul food by offering health-conscious, pork-free Southern cuisine in a chic, welcoming atmosphere, continuing the success of their flagship location in Montclair," the eatery said in a release.

"This innovative concept aims to celebrate Southern tradition while prioritizing health and authenticity, catering to today’s discerning diners."

They owners plan to open some time next week, a spokesperson said.

Dre Perrin was inspired by his South Carolina grandfather's health challenges in opening the eatery with pork-free menu items.

To him, "soul food has always represented family, community, and celebration," a spokesperson said.

Partnering with Chef Carlos Swepson, they crafted a menu that honors Southern culinary traditions while embracing healthier ingredients.

Tonza Houston’s Caribbean heritage and passion for soulful flavors further enriched the vision for Sweet T’s, the owners said.

They launched Sweet T’s in Montclair to critical acclaim and will now bring that vision to Teaneck.

Some favorite items on the menu include:

• Freshly baked cornbread with signature strawberry butter
• Grandma Sarah “Boobie’s” crispy chicken
• Classic shrimp and grits
• Catfish meal

“Our dream is to bring healthy, authentic soul food to the forefront, making it a popular, mainstream cuisine,” said the owners in a joint statement. “Sweet T’s offers New Jersey’s only pork-free Southern menu in a chic and inviting setting, and we’re so proud to bring this experience home to Teaneck.”

They'll be located at 166 West Englewood Ave.

Know of a restaurant opening or closing in Bergen County? Let Patch know so we can write about it.