Brownsville Launches New Era of Economic and Cultural Development with Cornbread Farm to Soul and Stuart Cinema & Café

Historic Groundbreaking Marks Cultural and Economic Rebirth in Brownsville

Brownsville, Brooklyn—a neighborhood rich with history and resilience—is officially breaking ground on a transformative new development that blends food, film, and community uplift. The new site will house Cornbread Farm to Soul, a fast-casual farm-to-table soul food restaurant, and the highly anticipated second location of Stuart Cinema & Café, marking the first movie theater in Brownsville in over 60 years.

This community-powered milestone is co-led by two groundbreaking entrepreneurs: Adenah Bayoh, real estate developer and co-founder of Cornbread Farm to Soul, and Emelyn Stuart, trailblazing founder of Stuart Cinema & Café and the first Black Latina to own an independent movie theater in New York.

Cornbread Farm to Soul: Reclaiming Culinary Heritage, Creating Urban Opportunity

Adenah Bayoh is no stranger to revitalizing urban communities. With her second Brooklyn Cornbread location underway, Bayoh’s mission is rooted in more than food—it’s about economic empowerment, workforce development, and creating accessible dining experiences that honor cultural tradition.

“This ceremony is about restoring spaces where families and neighbors can gather, share meals, and create memories,” said Bayoh. “Brownsville’s future is rooted in honoring its past while investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

Cornbread sources fresh, local ingredients to offer bold, authentic soul food in a tech-forward, family-friendly atmosphere. This expansion reflects the brand’s commitment to community-first dining in underserved urban markets.

Stuart Cinema & Café: Building a Home for Underrepresented Creatives

Located alongside Cornbread, Stuart Cinema & Café is bringing storytelling back to the neighborhood. Known for its community-centered approach to independent cinema, Emelyn Stuart’s expansion into Brownsville is as visionary as it is vital.

Stuart Cinema is not just a theater—it’s an economic and cultural hub, offering space for independent screenings, gaming sessions, private events, and more, all at community-accessible rates.

Brooklyn Economic Development Corp., Local Officials Champion the Project

This transformative investment in Brownsville has garnered support from the Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), local elected officials including Assemblywoman Latrice Walker, and Brooklyn Community Board 16, all of whom will participate in the June 20 groundbreaking ceremony.

Together, they celebrate a development that aligns with regional goals around small business growth, workforce development, and public-private investment in historically overlooked communities.

A New Brownsville Hub: Past, Present, and Future Intersect

This culinary and cinematic project builds on the momentum of prior initiatives, including the 2017 launch of the Brownsville Community Culinary Center (BCCC). The forthcoming Brownsville Hub Cooperative and this new venture reflect a growing ecosystem of community-rooted development.

Media Access and Coverage

To schedule interviews or receive media credentials for the ceremony, please contact:

Olivia Bishop
Tené Nicole Agency
olivia@tenenicole.com | 518.330.3835

About Cornbread Farm to Soul

Cornbread is a fast-casual soul food restaurant offering farm-to-table meals rooted in love, culture, and community. Designed for tech-savvy, health-conscious diners who value authenticity and quality, Cornbread partners with local farms to deliver bold flavors and timeless comfort.

About Stuart Cinema & Café

Stuart Cinema & Café is a New York-based independent movie theater offering curated films, event rentals, community programming, and gourmet food options. From screenings to panel discussions, Stuart Cinema serves as a home for creatives and families alike.