Rustic LES Crowdfunding to Help Open on Ridge Street

The whole truck-to-store phenomenon seems like it jumped the shark already, with seemingly every food truck angling to establish a sure-shot brick-and-mortar presence (e.g. Dessert Truck, Souvlaki GR). Bistro Truck is the latest in the craze, having prepared a permanent outpost in the hinterlands of Ridge Street called Rustic LES.

Much like its meals on wheels, the rustic newcomer at 124 Ridge Street specializes in “artisanal heartwarming” Moroccan and Mediterranean fare. Grub St first learned of the concept in early March, stating that the restaurant features nineteen seats and a backyard. But there are still some hiccups for co-owners Yassir Raouli and Elsa Leon to overcome, mainly the denial of a liquor license by Community Board 3 for being on a residential block. According to a tweet from ownership, Rustic will instead pursue privileges directly through the State Liquor Authority.

Then there’s the issue of launch, which remains just out of sight. Rustic has approached crowdfunding website Smallknot to raise $8,000 to help complete the restaurant build-out ($2,500 raised so far). Incentives include private cooking lessons and menu discounts.

A new website is also public, providing all the menu information to hold you over until opening.