WILMINGTON — The wait is over. Chef Bobby Zimmerman and his True Blue team will officially open True Blue Butcher and Barrel in the South Front District Friday.
The restaurant is the second in the True Blue brand; Zimmerman opened True Blue Butcher and Table almost four years ago in the Forum Shopping Center. Last summer, he launched Mariposa tapas bar, only a block away from where Barrel will be.
Plans to open the doors to the second True Blue originally were slated for fall 2021. Supply chain issues and shipping delays extended the construction project.
As part of its grand opening on Feb. 11, starting at 3 p.m., the team will give away free smash burgers as long as supplies last. The bacon-ground burger will be served on a challah bun, with American cheese, fresh tomato, garlic pickles, lettuce, and special sauce. Vegetarians will have the option to order an Impossible version.
According to a release, a limited menu will also be served, to “reflect the playful, shareable approach” the restaurant is taking from its classics, as touted at True Blue’s flagship location near Wrighstville Beach. It also will stay true to its brand by having a butcher shop on site.
The restaurant will serve specialty cocktails, beer and wine from a 50-foot bar, created out of black walnut and illuminated by drop-down mood lighting. Handmade shelves will display almost 200 brown liquors, including Scotch, bourbon and worldwide whiskeys, as well as Cognac, brandies and other spirits.
The release noted Zimmerman’s mission is to create eateries that boast a centralized theme: “food inspires life.”
As part of his carefully crafted, thoughtful approach to dining, the chef imagines the restaurant space continuing to influence the area’s popular social scene. True Blue Butcher and Barrel is located at 110 Greenfield St., suite 114, between New Anthem Beer Project and Satellite Bar and Lounge, with Vivian Howard’s Benny’s Big Time and Celesta Glass’ The Second Glass nearby.
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