Jackie Smalls, a “modern-Mediterranean eatery and juicery”, has opened in Wayne.

It’s owned by brothers Labeeb and Wassem Arsheed, whom also owns Jackie’s Grillette in Little Falls and Jackie’s Grillette in Upper Montclair. Jackie & Son is a “sister branch”, though owned and operated by Jackie and her husband Jake. All four restaurants have a very similar menu and aesthetic, but each have their own “character and twist”.

Labeeb and Wassem have been in the food service industry since childhood. They began helping their parents at the family grocery stores and delis during their middle school years, but really started to carry responsibility for the businesses when they entered college.

They felt it was time to take the next step with their knowledge and experience back in 2007 when the first Jackie’s Grillette branch was born in Upper Montclair.

Jackie Smalls opened because they felt it was time to revamp the brand, menu and look. They took top selling items from their sister restaurants and consolidated it into one smaller menu — hence the name Jackie Smalls.

It’s offering a menu that has been inspired by traditional middle eastern recipes which have been combined with modern, American staples. Jackie Smalls doesn’t belong to one single country, but is inspired by many countries and regions in and out of the Levantine area.

Their niche is breakfast and lunch, really focusing on brunch-style menu options, a full-range of coffee and tea beverages, plus a made-to-order juice bar. The recipes have been curated by their sister Jackie and mom Tina.

The space is approximately 1,700 square feet, with ten indoor tables — they hope to introduce outdoor seating later this year.

It’s currently open six days a week (closed Sundays) from 7:00am till 4:00pm.

Jackie Smalls
584 Valley Road
Wayne, NJ
Website

[photo source: Jackie Smalls]