Newark Made

Abdul Roberson, owner of Abby’s Deli, shares how he’s turned a local corner store into a beloved Newark brand—through food, merch, and deep-rooted community pride. From wearing branded gear everywhere to his business philosophy, Abdul’s story is one of hustle and identity.

Special thanks to The Prudential Foundation and the business owners of Newark, NJ.

Special acknowledgements: Emily Manz, Chief Business Development Officer and Director of Marketing at Invest Newark, and Anari Ormond, Assistant Vice President for Business Development at Invest Newark.

Justin Williams, comedian and co-founder of the Newark Culture Club, shares how he’s building a nightlife space unlike any other—one that celebrates comedy, music, and community. From producing Brick City Comedy Review for over a decade to curating a bar stocked with Black-owned wine labels, Justin is on a mission to keep dollars in Newark and bring world-class talent to the heart of the city.

Special thanks to The Prudential Foundation and the business owners of Newark, NJ.

Special acknowledgements: Emily Manz, Chief Business Development Officer and Director of Marketing at Invest Newark, and Anari Ormond, Assistant Vice President for Business Development at Invest Newark.

Newark Made is a podcast that celebrates the bold, brilliant, and resilient entrepreneurs shaping the future of Newark, New Jersey. Hosted by Emily Manz and Marcus Randolph, each episode spotlights a local business leader rewriting the rules—from launching Black-owned drive-ins during lockdown to building luxury brands from scratch. Whether it's comedy clubs, corner delis, fiber-optic broadband, or kid-friendly dental clinics, these stories reveal how purpose, pride, and hustle power a city on the rise.

Made possible by The Prudential Foundation and Invest Newark, this series is a love letter to the innovators driving inclusive growth, proving that if you can build it in Newark, you can build it anywhere.