Mexican Restaurant, Cocktail Bar Coming Soon To Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield commuters will soon be able to enjoy some post-work margaritas at a new Mexican restaurant coming to the North Avenue train station later this year.

At Tuesday's Westfield Town Council meeting, Mayor Shelley Brindle and the council unanimously voted 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.

According to the announcement, Maize will feature a square cocktail bar with seating for 25, as well as indoor and outdoor dining and patio seating. Maize will be able to apply for a liquor license, since the property is owned by the Town, allowing them to offer a full bar featuring a range of signature cocktails, tequila mezcals and Mexican spirits.

Maize also plans to provide live music and entertainment, transforming the North Avenue train station parking lot into a permanent pedestrian plaza.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to repurpose an underutilized iconic Town asset to drive downtown economic development and create a new revenue stream for our municipality that will be dedicated to beautifying our downtown,” Brindle said.

“With its globally inspired cocktails and cuisine, casual and lively atmosphere, and thoughtful restoration of a historic building, Maize will play an important role in the revitalization of our downtown, driving additional foot traffic that will benefit all of our local establishments," she added.

The town will lease 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.

Arora also launched Mithaas — an Indian sweet shop with five locations throughout New York and New Jersey, as well as fine dining establishment Urban Spice and Indian-inspired pizza restaurant Papa Pancho.

“The essence and concept of Maize is rooted in the backbone of the local history and
neighborhood vibe, and offers a unique addition to downtown Westfield,” Arora said. “Maize will be solid and comfortable, yet progressive and authentically vibrant – a perfect fit with Westfield’s residents, businesses, and visitors."

Hennebery added that Maize will essentially be Mexican food and cocktails with a twist, as it will blend various ethnic and cultural influences from around the globe.

In addition, Maize aims to make sustainability a priority by serving quality, organic and locally-sourced ingredients.

Hennebery and Arora are also committed to employing local people in the community and historic preservation in the creation of Maize. The duo has been working with the Westfield Historic Preservation Commission and are making a significant investment to ensure that the building, which dates back to 1892, is restored in a manner that is "consistent with its origins," according to the announcement.

NJ Transit was also instrumental in allowing Westfield to use their property as an outdoor dining space along the back of the building.

The initial 10-year lease agreement, beginning on May 1, also includes two five-year renewal options. The Town will receive $6,000 per month for the first three years of the lease, followed by a 3 percent annual increase.

The Town plans to use the rent collected from Maize to support downtown beautification efforts.

The tenants will also be investing an estimated $900,000 to renovate the building.

Construction on the building is expected to begin in June, with anticipated late 2022 opening.

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