Episode 84: Emeka Onugha and Adenah Bayoh with Brick City Vegan

Chef Emeka Onugha’s passion for healthy food predated his meeting with real estate developer Adenah Bayoh when they launched Brick City Vegan in 2021. “From inception, our approach wasn’t to simply present an imitation of meat, but to create new flavors and textures in popular menu items,” says Emeka of his Montclair, New Jersey counter-service concept. 

Montclair is proximate to Newark, which is known as the “Brick City” for its beautiful brickwork architecture. Emeka’s eponymous concept offers vegan burgers, bowls, sandwiches, and salads for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

“We have established our brand around the popularity of three creative offerings," says Emeka. “The “Black-Eyed Pea”, “Sweet Potato, and “Chickpea” burgers have become our signature items.” 

Emeka’s expansion plans for Brick City Vegan include a second New Jersey location, a unit in Brooklyn NY, and the addition of a breakfast day part. In this episode, he discusses:

• Promoting a vegan menu to non-vegans. 
• Managing margins with relatively expensive local organic ingredients.
• His strategy to bring the signature burger patties to retail.