Maize Cocktails & Cocina: Updated Westfield Opening

WESTFIELD, NJ — Work is continuing at Maize Cocktails & Cocina. Mayor Shelley Brindle shared an update on the anticipated opening.

The new Mexican restaurant is anticipated to be opening at to the North Avenue train station in Westfield in the late spring, said Brindle.

"The current trenching work in the parking lot that is extending utilities from the curb to the building is expected to be completed in the next two weeks, as the beautiful transformation of the interior is taking shape," said Brindle in her latest Mayor's Update. "Work is currently on pace for a late spring opening, and I can’t wait for the community to enjoy what will surely be a regional destination for food and cocktails."

Brindle and the council previously unanimously voted in March 2022 to authorize an award of contract to Maize Cocktails and Cocina — a globally-inspired Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar — to open at the train station building.

The restaurant was initially set to open in late 2022 and then a new opening date was announced for Spring 2023. Heavy construction was ongoing on the interior of the train station in May 2023. With the location being totally gutted.

Now the opening has been announced to open in the late Spring of 2024.

The town leased the building to Chef Jesa Hennebery — a culinary expert who most recently appeared as a cast member on the new Food Network series "Big Restaurant Bet" with Geoffrey Zakarian. She also previously appeared on "Chopped" — winning her episode in 2016.

In 2017, Hennebery was the creative culinary consulting chef behind New York City’s acclaimed plant-based Mexican restaurant "Jajaja" — recognized as one of the top vegetarian restaurants in America by Thrillist and Eater. Jajaja has four locations throughout New York City.

Experienced restauranteur Kamal Arora of Arora Hospitality Group will also be leasing the building alongside Hennebery. Arora invested in Moghul Express and Moghul Catering back in 2007, which is now the biggest Indian catering company in the U.S.

The new restaurant, Maize, will feature a square cocktail bar with seating for 25, as well as indoor and outdoor dining and patio seating.

Maize also plans to provide live music and entertainment.

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