By Deborah Melman | October 15, 2026
The new Sparks Café at Rutgers Chabad in New Brunswick held a gala grand opening on Sunday, October 11. Run by Hillel and Shaindel Polichenco, the menu features hot and iced coffee and lattes, matcha, pastries, sourdough sandwiches, paninis, salads, yogurt parfaits, focaccia and more. test 3
“Everything is made fresh daily, including our coffee flavoring syrups. We are organic, seed oil free and mostly free of refined sugars,” explained Shaindel. “Hillel loves to bake and all baked items are made in house.”
The community is invited to enjoy the delicious offerings that were originally designed to give the students another kosher option. Curbside pickup is available and there is ample comfortable seating if you prefer. Can’t make it to New Brunswick? Local delivery is available.
Emma Freund, Rutgers student from Englewood, declared her sandwich to be a “10 out of 10!” Samples of homemade granola, energy bites and sourdough with mozzarella were very favorably reviewed. The toasted grains in the granola provided a special treat. Jessie Horowitz declared that her iced latte with a caffeine boost tasted great and was just what she needed to finish an assignment.
Follow them on Instagram at @sparkscafe_ to learn what they have freshly made for the day and what specials are available. Presently they are offering a panini sandwich, coffee and large cookie for only $10.
Sparks Café is open Sunday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is located in the Chabad House at 170 College Avenue, New Brunswick.
