Two new restaurant concepts by the chef and owner behind Z’Abbracci Pizza, Pasta & Tap House are headed to downtown Castle Rock. The space at 20 Wilcox St. will house both Block & Bottle and Slab Deli & Market by John Johnson.
Block & Bottle will serve elevated comfort foods and will be open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. “Either it started from an idea of comfort food long ago and we elevated it, or it’s going to be our take on some kind of comfort food,” Johnson told What Now Denver.
The Block & Bottle menu is still being finalized, but small plates such as Chorizo and salsa verde blue mussels, burgers, locally-sourced steaks, salads, and more will be offered. The burgers will feature ground chuck, ground brisket, and ground short rib. “It’s just above a regular, even a higher-end chuck burger.”
The space, which has an industrial atmosphere featuring wood and steel will include two patios and a full bar with 12 beers on tap, a wine menu, and craft specialty cocktails.
On the other side of the space, Johnson will open a new concept called Slab Deli & Market. “It’s not really a traditional restaurant,” Johnson said. Slab guests can enjoy one of up to 20 unique sandwiches and a few charcuterie board options with a glass of wine.
“We’ll also have a fresh deli case that will have fresh proteins that you can take to your house,” Johnson noted. Fresh proteins will include steaks, chops, fish, and chicken. “You can come in and shop and get your items for dinner that night and take them home and cook them.” Slab will also offer sliced cooked meats and cheeses, as well as sides.
Block & Bottle and Slab are just the latest concepts for Johnson. “I always look for opportunities where I can help to complement the city and its need for that area. So, that’s why I put those concepts there.”
Johnson has been in the restaurant industry since he was 13 years old and has developed a number of restaurants over the years. He opened Z’Abbracci in Castle Rock seven years ago and has plans to expand the brand into downtown Parker and downtown Littleton. Johnson also hopes to expand Block & Bottle in the next couple of years.
Block & Bottle and Slab are expected to open in early June at 20 Wilcox St., Ste. 101, Castle Rock, CO 80104.
