The future of New Jersey’s premier health and life sciences ecosystem is getting a major infusion of hospitality.
The New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO) and DHS Hospitality Group on Monday announced a landmark partnership to bring two high-profile dining destinations to the HELIX (Health + Life Science Exchange). The move includes the relocation of the legendary cocktail den Clydz and the debut of Strand Market, a massive 21st-century food hall and community hub.
Together, these venues are designed to serve as the “social heart” of the 1.5 million-square-foot HELIX district, bridging the gap between high-level laboratory research and the vibrant culture of downtown New Brunswick.
Since 1997, Clydz has been a pioneer of the American cocktail renaissance. In September 2026, the “beloved trailblazer” will officially migrate to the HELIX H-1 building, trading its traditional roots for a modern, high-energy environment.
Led by Chef Jackie Mazza (famed for appearances on Beat Bobby Flay and Restaurant Startup), the new Clydz will feature:
- The Legendary Martini List: A continuation of the program that made Clydz a national destination.
- Expanded Dining: New lunch service and an extended dinner menu.
- Private Chef’s Table: A premium, reservation-only experience for personalized dining.
- Al Fresco Sophistication: Full-service outdoor seating on the Strand pedestrian plaza.
“We are thrilled to bring Clydz into this exciting new chapter,” Mazza said. “This move allows us to blend our creative cocktails and bold flavors with the energy of the HELIX.”
Scheduled to open in Spring/Early Summer 2026, the Strand Market will function as a dynamic food hall where “innovation meets community.” Designed with seamless indoor-outdoor flow, the market will feature a covered pavilion and the “Collaboration Commons,” inviting researchers, students, and locals to linger.
The Culinary Lineup Includes:
- Barista Cafe: All-day coffee featuring roasts from NJ’s Offshore Coffee Company.
- Taka Taka Salad and Bowls: Fresh, Mediterranean-inspired healthy options.
- Today’s Special Sandwich Shop: Artisanal, rotating seasonal creations.
- DeeDee’s Pizza: The second location of the acclaimed pizza innovator.
- Gallagher’s Irish Pub: A central hub for “proper pints” and bar bites, perfectly situated for commuters using the nearby New Brunswick Station.
For New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill, the addition of these venues is essential to the city’s economic and social evolution. “The HELIX is not just a place for research; it is a place where a community comes together,” Cahill stated.
The HELIX H-1 building is already set to house Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the New Jersey Innovation Hub. H-2 will serve as the new headquarters for Nokia Bell Labs, while construction begins this spring on H-3, a massive mixed-use development.
“The HELIX is about collaboration—in the lab, but also at the coffee bar and the happy hour,” DEVCO President Chris Paladino said. “Chef Jackie Mazza and Doug Schneider have been bringing people together in New Brunswick for a generation—they were the natural choice.”
Strategically located across from the New Brunswick Station, the HELIX is poised to position New Jersey as a global leader in life sciences while ensuring the city’s “fabric” remains rooted in world-class hospitality.
