A new restaurant concept is headed to East Tallahassee! Chefs Jesse and Tyler Rice opened the farm-to-table Backwoods Crossing in 2016, then expanded to the coast with Trident in Panacea. Now, the brothers are preparing to open their latest concept: Rustic Grub at The Hub at Feather Oaks.
Although an official opening date has not been set, Chef Tyler says the team is tentatively aiming for sometime in September. Rustic Grub plans to serve lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday, expanding The Hub’s current Thursday through Sunday schedule.
“We just wanted something that made you feel like you’re relaxing at a friend’s house or in their backyard,” Chef Tyler said. The menu shared with Tallahassee Foodies includes smash burgers, loaded shareables, bowls, wraps, shrimp and grits, tuna poke, and other approachable comfort-food dishes.
Katrice Howell, who owns The Hub at Feather Oaks with Scott Carruthers, believes the menu’s variety will fit naturally with the venue. “We have worked with the Rice brothers before on other projects and have great respect for their culinary talent and restaurant knowledge,” Katrice said. “They will bring a flair to the menu that is diverse and family-friendly, which is perfect for our business.”
Rustic Grub will have its own identity, distinct from the full-service experiences at Backwoods Crossing and Trident. “Rustic Grub is not a full-service, sit-down experience, which is great to maintain the brewery and music venue vibes of The Hub,” Chef Tyler said.
Even with its more casual format, the menu will still carry the Rice brothers’ recognizable culinary influence, giving diners a taste of the creativity behind their other restaurants. The partnership builds upon a longtime relationship between the two teams. The Rice brothers have previously catered events and hosted private dinners at Feather Oaks, so the opportunity to establish a permanent presence there felt like a natural fit.
The Hub at Feather Oaks is located on a historic 14-acre East Tallahassee property at 6500 Miccosukee Road. Today, it offers a taproom, live music, special events, and private rental spaces in a relaxed, indoor-outdoor setting. The Hub’s official website describes it as a family-friendly gathering place for “good food, beer, music and company.”
“Rustic Grub at The Hub is the perfect next step for us,” Katrice said. “We have a brewery, a winery, and soon a restaurant. We hope this all makes The Hub at Feather Oaks the ‘go-to’ place for Tallahassee folks!”
On occasion, food trucks will continue to be part of The Hub after Rustic Grub opens. The venue plans to welcome them back for its East Town Get Downs and at other times throughout the year.
For the Rice brothers, the goal is to build upon an experience guests already enjoy. “Everyone who goes there already has a great time, and we just hope to elevate that experience with consistent, delicious food,” Chef Tyler said.
An official opening date and additional details are still to come. Foodies can follow Rustic Grub at Facebook and Instagram, as well as The Hub at Feather Oaks on Facebook and Instagram for updates. We’ll also be sharing more, including food photos and soft-opening news, as soon as it becomes available!
