About Us
Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s newest culinary endeavor launched as a pop-up in March, 2023 in the vibrant global culinary hub of Newark, New Jersey. Vibe BBQ captures the universal backyard, family & friends “vibe” of eating fresh, delicious barbecue and sides that are all infused with unique flavors from Chef Samuelsson’s incredible global palette. His unique and delectable smoked chicken wings, smoked brisket sandwiches, dry-rubbed ribs, collards, mac & cheese, and M’s cornbread are some of the featured menu items that keep people coming back for memorable meals. It’s all about the big BBQ flavor and good vibes!
Background
MARCUS SAMUELSSON started his culinary journey in his Grandmother’s Swedish kitchen, but after working in restaurants all over the world and returning to his birth country of Ethiopia over several years to explore the African blends of flavors at spice markets and local eateries, he arrived in New York to start the next chapter in his culinary career. After experiencing the varied palette of American cuisine, he came to love its barbeque, and not just for the flavors, spice rubs, and sauces that make up this quintessential staple, but for the culture of barbeque itself. “BBQ culture lives here like nowhere else and I am so excited to be a part of it!” says Chef Samuelsson.
Food & BBQ
At Marcus’ Vibe BBQ, it is Marcus’ incorporation of global influences that have given a tantalizing twist to a beloved cuisine, adding unexpected ingredients to create mouth-watering, alluring flavors. These worldly and accessible flavors show up through items such as the dry rubbed ribs coated in a proprietary spice blend featuring curry and berbere, a staple of any Ethiopian home, or the caramelized onion jam that adds the perfect touch of heat and sweetness to the burger. The BBQ Spiced House Fries take sides to the next level, serving up the perfect combo of crisp and spice with Chef Samuelsson’s wholly original seasoning.
All there is left to do is load up a tray of delicious, saucy, satisfying food with some of your favorite people and enjoy the Vibe. Everyone eats BBQ the same way at Vibe BBQ—delicious, messy, and together!