ANNA MARIA – Owner, chef and pit master Ben Sato’s new tropical barbecue restaurant, gRub, is now open.
Located at 415 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria, gRub (pronounced grub) opened at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 2.
“It feels really good. It’s been a long time coming,” Sato said on opening day.
When interviewed the previous day, Sato explained his tropical barbecue dining concept.
“Tropical barbecue combines flavors from the tropical areas around the world, including the Caribbean, Hawaii and Asia. It’s different than anything else on the Island. It is its own type of category,” said Sato, who is half Japanese.
Sato said gRub is a “fast-casual restaurant” where patrons order and receive their food at the main counter.
“My background is in fine dining in Miami, Key West and Fort Lauderdale,” he said. “I went to the Johnson & Wales culinary school in north Miami and I worked at several fine dining restaurants. I think a family-oriented casual barbecue spot is something the Island needed. We’ve been working on this for three years, but I’ve been thinking about this since I moved back to Island from South Florida around eight years ago.”
While developing his gRub concept, Sato worked at Sato Real Estate, which is owned by his mom, Barbara, and his brother, Jason – neither of whom have active roles in the restaurant endeavor.
“It’s my baby. I’m running the place and I own the place,” Sato said.
Barbara was on hand for gRub’s opening and Jason stopped by for lunch.
“I’m excited for my brother. He’s worked his butt off and it’s been a long time coming. This is a dream come true for him and it’s awesome to see it become a reality. It’s a great addition to Pine Avenue,” Jason said.
Menu highlights
When discussing the gRub menu he created, Sato said, “As far as platters, we have Mojo Pork ($19), smoked and shaved brisket ($19), honey-glazed spareribs ($18 for a half-rack and $34 for a whole rack) and Peri-Peri Chicken ($16).”
“For sandwiches, we have a brisket sandwich served on a pineapple-coconut luau roll ($16). We also have a QBen ($16) that’s way different than any other Cuban you’ve had. Instead of using cured deli meats, I smoke my own pork belly, slice it thin and layer that with Mojo pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard,” he said.
The menu includes a pork-filled Willow Wrap ($15) and several varieties of empanadas, salads, side dishes, soft drinks, beer and wine. The wine offerings include “Frosé,” a frozen drink made with rosé wine and strawberry puree.
“It’s really good. All the girls love it. My wife, Danielle, told me I had to have it,” Sato said.
Mason Martin Builders built the building and Adrian Griffin assisted with the design.
gRub has about 40 inside seats, including the bar area, with some additional outdoor seating on the front deck.
The new building includes the second story residential space where Sato and his wife, Danielle, who works at Sato Real Estate, now live.
“We just moved in a couple of days ago,” he said.
In addition to the limited number of parking spaces in front of the restaurant, including one handicapped space, and the public parking spaces located along Pine Avenue, Sato has an agreement with the nearby Roser Community Memorial Church that provides additional parking for his restaurant.
Sato said he’s already fully staffed and his staff includes some cousins who are moving down from Minnesota. He said a grand opening ceremony will take place after the initial kinks are worked out.
Opening day diners
Part-time Anna Maria resident Glyn Pashley was among the first to dine at gRub on opening day. Accompanied by his wife, Evelyne, Pashley had the Coquina Chick sandwich made with Peri-Peri chicken salad, pineapple and tomato and served on multi-grain bread ($15), with the cucumber salad as his side dish.
“We know Ben. The food is absolutely amazing. The sandwich is spicy and flavorful and the cucumber salad is fresh and light. We’ll be coming back,” Glyn said.
Sgt. Brett Getman and Deputy Patrick Manning from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Unit were also among gRub’s first customers.
“I’m having the QBen with mac & cheese. It’s very tasty. The bread is very fresh, the pork has a unique flavor to and they all come together very well,” Getman said.
“I had the same thing and I have to agree. It’s a great combination,” Manning added.
Stephanie Morris, Emily Toth and David McGough enjoyed their lunch while seated at the picnic table.
Morris had the Bimini Bay Bahn Mi pork brisket sandwich .
“It’s delicious. The meat’s tender, the bread is perfect and the slaw has the right amount of spice,” she said.
Toth had the QBen.
“The meat is delicious and the bread is crispy but soft on the inside. The potato salad is well-seasoned. Everything about it is good and the sweet and spicy sauces are both awesome. I will definitely be back,” she said.
McGough had the Fir Flatbread ($14) made with roasted vegetables, pesto and queso fresco cheese.
“It’s got cheese, broccoli, tomatoes and olive oil and its spiced very well. It’s absolutely delicious, and reasonably priced. I’m a vegetarian and I was able to have a really great lunch. They have more on the menu for vegetarians – a lot of salads and some really good macaroni and cheese. This is really good and I’ll be coming back,” McGough said.
Regarding the décor and the overall dining experience, McGough said, “I love it. I think it’s perfect for Anna Maria and I think it will do great business. The location on Pine Avenue and the open doors are wonderful. They just opened an hour ago and they’re doing well already.”
gRub is open Monday-Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
gRub offers walk-up to-go service but is not currently taking to-go orders over the phone or online, although online ordering will be available later. You can visit gRub online and on Instagram @grub_ami.
