Rub Shack brings barbecue to the beach

The savory, enticing smells in downtown Rehoboth Beach can lead people to any one of the dozens of great restaurants, but a new one just might force people to make a pit stop on the way out of town.

The Rub Shack has set up shop in an old gas station parking lot on Rehoboth Avenue Extended, just before motorists head out onto Route 1. Offering an array barbecue sandwiches, owner Dale Thaxton said, his food will satisfy hungry visitors on the way home and bring them back for more.

"What we do is we feed people, and I enjoy feeding people,” Thaxton said. “I enjoy a good and flavorful product. The stuff we make is just unbelievable.”

The Rub Shack is open for breakfast, lunch and, beginning Memorial Day weekend, early dinner. Sandwiches include brisket, pit beef, pit ham, pulled pork and sliced pork loin. Also available are ribs, chicken and jumbo hot dogs. A number of breakfast sandwiches are also on the menu.

“We do everything to a specification, so it's consistent every day,” Thaxton said. “If somebody comes here today, it will be the same tomorrow or the next day.”

Most sandwiches are priced at $7, while ribs and brisket are slightly more expensive. Thaxton said he tries to ensure customer's are getting their money's worth.

“If you're spending $7 or $9 on a sandwich, we want it to be a $7 or $9 sandwich,” he said.

One of Thaxton's specialties is the BBQ Cheese Steak. Similar to a traditional cheesesteak, Thaxton uses pit beef, raw onion, barbecue sauce and cheese.

“Man, it's just amazing,” Thaxton said.

This isn't Thaxton's first foray into the barbecue business. Thaxton previously owned Belly's barbecue on Route 24 in Angola. Due to high rent, Thaxton closed the business, but he didn't lose the passion.

“I still had the love of barbecue, and I wanted to continue doing it,” he said.

He found an affordable trailer and outfitted it to his liking. He then found a prime location on the outskirts of Rehoboth Beach and set up shop.

“We're looking to get the crowd as they're coming out of town,” he said. “I want to feed them as they're going home.”

The recipes Thaxton uses are mostly of his own creation. While serving in the military, Thaxton spent time with many people down south. Through their guidance, Thaxton developed a talent for southern-style barbecue, going so far as to create his own recipes and sauces. Thaxton is particularly proud of his version of a Carolina vinegar sauce.

“People who come here say it's the best they've had other than being [actual] Carolina,” he said.

Combining Thaxton's vinegar sauce with his barbecue sauce on a pulled pork sandwich, the result is a flavorful complement to the appetizing sandwich.

Joining Thaxton in his new venture is Noel Sickler, who will serve as the business' pit master. Sickler has more than 25 years experience in barbecue.

The duo's passion for what they do is not lost on customers. “Their cooking comes from the heart,” said Tim Buckmaster, a regular who recently stopped in to chat with Thaxton.

The Rub Shack is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, Thaxton will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and possibly later on weekends.

Takeout catering options are also available. For more information, go to www.therubshack.com or call 302-381-4932.