Supplied photo courtesy of LM Restaurants
A Hops Supply Co. server offers samples of the short rib sliders with caramelized onions, bleu cheese crumbles and garlic aioli at the restaurant’s preview event on Saturday, Oct. 27.
Wilmington’s new American gastropub, Hops Supply Co., opened its doors to the public on Monday, Oct. 29, in the building that was the long-time home of the original Eddie Romanelli’s Restaurant on Oleander Drive. Prior to opening HopsCo, LM Restaurants held a private preview event for friends and family to sample the restaurant’s menu and see the renovations to the interior of the building.
At the preview, LM’s corporate communications officer, Mindy Stroupe, said president and owner Lou Moshakos wanted to open a gastropub for a while.
“Lou knew that whatever he put in this building had to be a home run; we are very tied to this building,” Stroupe said. “We knew that we had to make this feel different and we had to make some very difficult decisions like moving the entire bar.”
The relocation of the bar to the heart of the restaurant was the biggest challenge for the contractor, Smith 2 Architecture + Design. Walls of colorful glass bottles were erected on both sides of the main bar and dining area. Dark wood, clean lines and natural lighting accent the remainder of the restaurant.
A gastropub is a British term for a pub that specializes in serving high-quality food. LM corporate chef, David Spirito, outlined HopsCo’s menu. HopsCo executive chef Tiffany Eslien added her own flair, Stroupe said.
“We are making a commitment to changing the menu with the seasons, as well as our dessert offerings,” she said. “What is really unique about this restaurant is that they are going to be printing their menu in-house, so as things become seasonal they will be able to print it and change it on the spot.”
During the preview event, waiters trolled the dining room with samples of what diners will be able to find for $5 on HopsCo’s Take 5 menu — available on weekdays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to closing — like jerk chicken satay with spicy curry marinade; and short rib sliders with caramelized onions, bleu cheese crumbles and garlic aioli.
Items found on HopsCo’s regular menu include drunken mussels with fried capers, tomatoes and parmesan cheese in a white wine broth; the HopsCo burger with bacon, herbed garlic cheese, red onion, tomato, butter lettuce and HopsCo sauce; and chicken two ways — braised thighs, southern fried breast, cream gravy, haricot vert, and white macaroni and cheese.
In addition to the food, Stroupe said HopsCo would have a large rotating selection of local and seasonal beverages.
To view the menu and for more information, visit www.hopssupplyco.com
