Charcuterie boards, sandwiches, and more: Rubbed opens in Corktown

It's been a quiet opening for Corktown's newest restaurant, Rubbed, and that's exactly how business partners Abbey Markell and Jason Frenkel want it. They passed their final inspections Tuesday, September 16, and decided to open their doors that next day. "Just to see what happens," as Markell says.

Having never opened a restaurant before, they're hoping a slow and steady approach helps them address every challenge as it comes along. Despite the lack of promotion, business is already humming. The Rubbed brand has been around for over a year now as the duo have catered parties and events all over town. They've established a reputation for quality, letting the food promote itself. The catering service will remain a key source of income for the restaurant.

"We want this to grow organically," says Markell. "We had our soft opening. We'll grow slowly and hire slowly and have it build. We would stay open until 4 a.m. if the demand was there. We want to be responsive to our customers."

The Rubbed charcuterie boards, a spread of cured meats and cheeses, lend themselves to gatherings. Those boards are available at the restaurant, along with sandwiches, small plate dishes, and a small retail selection. Markell and Frenkel plan to add a full-service dinner menu next spring, when they'll look to obtain a liquor license. A monthly dinner series where customers pre-order tickets for a four- or five-course meal begins in October. Rubbed will also package and sell meats, salads, and sides out of their display coolers.

Markell says she worked on the restaurant's décor while waiting to pass city and health inspections, outfitting the space with work by local artists and other flourishes. She calls it quirky and fun, but minimalist. They're working on a patio, too.

Rubbed is located at 2015 Michigan Ave.

Source: Abbey Markell, co-owner of Rubbed
Writer: MJ Galbraith

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