Finding a favorite spot within the 2,312 acres that represent the University of Delaware’s campus can be difficult. Among these sprawling grounds are historic buildings, residence halls, student centers, and, perhaps most popularly, a bustling Main Street that harbors dozens of businesses. Some chose to open their doors along the road that winds its way directly throughout campus, while others settled for a calmer spot harbored within the Newark Shopping Center.
Constructed nearly 59 years ago, the center has served the expansive needs of Newark residents and students alike for decades and was newly renovated in 2015. With a lasting collection of businesses, including grocery stores, hair salons, phone providers, a movie theater, and various restaurants, the space has only continued to grow as demands have risen.
Just this year, four new businesses have decided to call the shopping center home, each boasting a unique appeal that rounds out what visitors can purchase and experience at the Newark Shopping Center.
Casa Kahlo Mexican Grill & Bar
Celebrating an opening in December 2024, Casa Kahlo Mexican Grill & Bar honors Frida Kahlo, a renowned Mexican artist with distinct cultural value and creativity. Just beyond the eatery’s colorful doors, guests can take a photograph with a wax figure of Frida, who overlooks the bustling environment and reminds those inside of her impact. The vibrant restaurant offers visitors a chance to experience a fresh and artistic approach to authentic Mexican cuisine.
Menu offerings include familiar choices such as quesadillas, tacos, nachos, burritos, enchiladas, and more. Guests can seek unique dishes such as Pollo Hawaiiano, or grilled chicken with vegetables, pineapple, and teriyaki sauce; Paella Española, which features Spanish rice full of mixed seafood and vegetables; and many other variations of protein and sauces. Families with young, pickier eaters can order chicken fingers, pizza, grilled cheese, and quesadillas from the kids’ menu. To conclude the meal, dessert may consist of fried ice cream, flan, Mexican churros, Mexican sopapillas, or tres leches cake. While eating, guests can enjoy an atmosphere that is engaging and traditional, as the restaurant encourages companionship and fun with handcrafted cocktails and live entertainment.
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Love Nails
Anyone seeking somewhere to acquire colorful, creative nail designs should look no further than Love Nails, which opened in June 2024. This salon prides itself in its business practices, specifically a commitment to toxic-free nail services, as it does not use fume monomer (found in many acrylic nails systems). With a tagline framed to remind customers that “life is not perfect. But your nails can be,” Love Nails promises beautiful sets and healthy methods of implementing them.
Guests can enjoy a wide range of features, such as manicures and pedicures that promise to be long-lasting, builder gel, dipping, and gel nails. Waxing can also be found in the salon upon request. Love Nails offers themed sets, holiday cashback deals, discounts, and gift cards. Appointments can be made by messaging through the salon’s Instagram account or calling the store.
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Long Bao & Noodles Express
With a goal of bringing authentic Japanese cuisine to the Delaware area, Long Bao & Noodles Express, opened in May 2024, utilizes fresh ingredients and traditional dish techniques. The restaurant prioritizes guests’ needs, offering deals on holidays such as Easter and Halloween, special promotions, gift card specials, and a VIP program. Every dish is carefully crafted and made to transport diners into the world of authentic East Asian cuisine.
The menu is sorted into categories based on the style or culture of food guests may be searching for — red and yellow curry, basil fried rice and pad Thai fall underneath ‘Thai Corner,’ while handmade soupy pork dumplings and steamed shumai are within ‘Asian Dim Sum.’ Other items include udon noodle soup, Japanese-style chicken wings, fried shrimp tempura, sushi rolls, teriyaki chicken, and more.
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Lulu’s Tacos
This cozy eatery, opened in March 2024, specializes in variety of tacos and other Mexican menu items. Placing emphasis on a casual atmosphere, Lulu’s Tacos brings street-style cuisine that is affordable and enjoyable for all. Its specialty? Lamb stew, served with chickpeas, rice, lamb, cilantro, and onions.
A highlight on the menu is the spread of tacos, served street-style, Americano, or as quesabirrias, made with lamb and mozzarella cheese. Customers can also enjoy street fries, quesadillas, bowls and burritos, tortas, chilaquiles verdes, and birria rolls. Traditional items include Pambazos, a popular Mexican street food sandwich featuring sauteed chorizo and potato with guajillo sauce, and Torta Cubana, a Mexican-style hot sandwich loaded with toppings that range from avocados and jalapenos to beans and ham.
When the Newark Shopping Center was first built in 1965, it’s likely that the contractors had visions for the future establishments that would locate themselves there. Continuing to service the needs and desires of those in the Newark community, whether residential or student-based, is a tall order that can only be fulfilled by dedicated businesses. These new openings add a variety of cuisines and beauty treatments to the already dynamic offerings in the center that will continue to grow for years to come.
Related: Premiere Indoor Pickleball Is Coming to Newark in 2025
