Years in the past, the companions at PROOFHospitality Group deliberate to increase their Wilmington-area eating places past Rebel NC. First there was Fox's Gap within the Wall, which opened final yr on Princess Road.
The opening of the third restaurant, Commodore Public Home & Kitchen, in Wilmington's Brooklyn arts district, has taken somewhat longer. And rightly so.
“This wasn’t even a restaurant. It was an empty shell,” stated Travis Weiss. Together with Brian “Wes” Westlye and John Bradley, the three oversee the eating places’ meals, operations and funds, respectively.
The house wanted to be geared up with all the things a restaurant wants, from plumbing to a kitchen. Over the previous few days, they've began providing tender opening hours to indicate the general public what they've been engaged on. They're now open for dine-in service at 620 N. Fourth St. Tuesday by way of Saturday.
The companions have additionally opened eating places within the Washington, DC space, which is the place they began this Commodore idea.
“Rebel is synonymous with whiskey,” Weiss stated. “Commodore has a extra Caribbean and Spanish really feel. It’s extra rum-centric, with extra citrus and fruit flavors.”
They labored with Nathanial Fabian to assist create the drinks. He oversees the PinPoint restaurant’s bar program and can also be a cocktail guide. You’ll be able to anticipate drinks just like the El Floridita and home specialties just like the Poblano Escobar, a spicy margarita with habanero-infused tequila. They’re at present barrel-aging a rum for a signature Outdated Original.
As for meals, Weiss stated he’s classically skilled, however enjoys making approachable and scrumptious bar meals. Westlye recommends The Heavy, a plate of fries with a base of boniato, a sort of candy potato, and topped with Cuban-style fried pork. Search for different acquainted menu gadgets — salads, quesadillas and sandwiches — served similarly with distinctive twists.
“We wish it to be a relaxed, laid-back place with consideration to element,” Weiss stated. “And we would like the meals to be scrumptious.”
They’ve an analogous aim for the general atmosphere.
“We needed it to really feel cozy, to really feel prefer it’s been right here for 20 years, though it simply opened final week,” Westlye stated.
Subsequent yr, the companions want to flip a facet patio right into a beer backyard. After that, they plan to verify all of the eating places are working easily. However they’ve concepts for extra. Weiss plans to maneuver to the Wilmington space completely after which they'll have a look at the chances.
“We actually wish to take it to the subsequent stage,” Westlye stated. “That’s our plan for 2025.”
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Allison Ballard is the StarNews' meals and eating reporter. You’ll be able to contact her at aballard@gannett.com.