Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria Opened at Newport Centre

The restaurant has launched its first food court location at 30 Mall Drive West in Jersey City.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Barbecue

Bold vector illustration of a brisket bowl, depicting a modern food service concept. — Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria has opened its fourth location, marking the brand's first venture into a food court environment at Jersey City's Newport Centre. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria has officially expanded to the Newport Centre in Jersey City. This new site marks the fourth location for the business, which started as a food trailer in 2017.

Why it matters

The opening represents a strategic move for the brand as it establishes its first food court presence, offering shoppers low and slow smoked meats and diverse menu options.

The new restaurant at 30 Mall Drive West joins existing branches in Paramus, Lyndhurst, and Newark airport. It operates daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The players

Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria

A food business that specializes in smoked meats and expanded from a trailer operation to multiple restaurant locations in New Jersey.

The details

The menu features smoked meats including brisket, pulled pork, carne asada, birria, and crispy fish, alongside vegetarian options like sweet plantain. Meals are served in bowl formats featuring bases of cilantro lime rice, salad, or nachos.

The business began as a food trailer in July 2017.
The new location opened at Newport Centre on October 2, 2026.

Culture Shift

This opening reflects the broader trend of successful fast-casual concepts moving into retail hubs to capture high-traffic consumer spending. It highlights a shift in strategy for smaller chains aiming to compete in established mall environments.

Shoppers at Newport Centre can now access the restaurant daily during their mall visits without needing to travel to other locations in Paramus or Lyndhurst. The menu provides flexible dining options, including vegetarian choices, for those visiting the mall area.

The takeaway

The brand successfully translated its smoking techniques into a food court format, proving that niche culinary styles can thrive in high-traffic retail settings. Residents and mall visitors now have consistent access to their menu from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.