8 hours ago
Exclusive: Bub and Pop's will soon reopen in NoMa with spiked sodas and bowling
Beloved sandwich shop Bub and Pop's will soon open in a new, larger location in NoMa after a decade-plus in Dupont Circle, the owner exclusively tells Axios.
Why it matters: Bub's seemingly abrupt shutter last week sparked fear of a permanent closure among its fanbase, but don't worry — the new version in the former Eleanor space promises to be bigger and better than ever.
State of play: Chef/owner Jon Taub tells Axios he's aiming to open in about two weeks. He's keeping the bones of the Eleanor's barcade, meaning plenty of room to settle in with a beer and play throwback games or duck pin bowling.
And the core menu of Philly-style hoagies and cheesesteaks will live on, as will the " Lil' Petey" sandwich-eating challenge.
Dig in: Taub tells Axios he's looking forward to expanding the offerings — with plenty of nostalgic nods to his favorite hometown Philly spots.
A custom soda fountain inspired by Nifty Fifty's will turn out egg creams, floats and malts, which customers can spike with booze (also look for wine, Champagne and beer).
Taub is working on a new pizza menu, as well as fun bar snacks for game days. Diners will also have a few lighter options for times when a huge Italian hoagie or braised beef brisket sandwich won't fly.
Context: Taub says the move has been in the works for a while after their landlord decided to double the rent on the small, mostly takeout shop. "It would have shuttered our business overnight," he says.
The landlord filed an eviction lawsuit earlier this year, seeking nearly $250,000 in unpaid rent and fees, which Taub tells Axios is erroneous, and that they've been "following legal counsel" since.
Between the lines: Taub has been making his own breads and hoagie rolls for a year-plus — which, along with homemade pickles and sauces, sets Bub's apart.
Now he's upping the game with a new Polin oven. "It's how Angelo's in Philly achieves that perfect crust and bronze color," he says.
All of the homemade accoutrements will be available to take away. "I know Trader Joe's is right down the street, but I wanted people to be able to come home with a container of our marinara and have a nice dinner."
