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From sushi at Hachi to an English-inspired gastropub, husband and wife chef team Martin Swift and Linda Rodriguez's journey downtown hit some bumps earlier this year, but the team are now enthusiastically optimistic they'll debut The Smashed Pig on Fremont East in the middle of next month.
"Sound insulation" issues caused some of the finally resolved delays and a neon sign featuring a tipsy pig has been installed out front. The bar that hugs one side of the long, thin 1,860-square foot space is receiving final touches and the ceiling lighting is all operational.
The couple were trained by Nobu Matsuhisa before working together at Hachi at Red Rock Resort, but this new venture positioned between The Griffin and Flippin' Good Burgers and Shakes was inspired by Swift's English heritage.
Early plans called for a slant towards British pub dishes, quick and easy options for lunch, "trivia" quiz nights and English Premier League soccer games on the TVs. Artisanal beers will be available, plus plenty of hand crafted cocktails to keep their pig mascot "smashed," or intoxicated in English slang.
