Rob AriasRaider’s running back and Oakland native Marshawn Lynch announced he’d be taking over the former Scend’s spot on San Pablo Ave and opening ‘Rob Ben’s’ back in July, 2017. News has been quiet since this announcement though and there’s been little visible activity or updates other than an occasionally blast from Lynch’s instagram account.
East Bay Express writer Katherine Hamilton broke the news last Tuesday that their grand opening was finally happening and the news was made official through Lynch’s ‘Beast Mode’ brand.
Now open for Business!! #BeastMode #RobBens pic.twitter.com/hRYD9ct3Ux
— BEAST MODE® Apparel (@beastmodestore) December 14, 2018
The 32-year-old Lynch was placed on injured reserve with a groin injury back in October and he’s likely played his final NFL game (although I wouldn’t completely count him out).
Perhaps time away from football has given Lynch more time to focus on his side ventures which include a retail store on Broadway, a candy bar, his Beast Mobile mobile carrier brand and this restaurant.
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The restaurant’s interior space has been extensively renovated with a large, custom bar in the middle, new screens and an updated modern color palette. The space has an “upscale sports lounge” vibe to it with a scattering of sports memorabilia and sports-themed artwork.
Lynch recently filmed a series of humorous PSA’s in the restaurant encouraging a “device free dinner” for commonsense.org.
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The menu contains a few familiar soul food items for fans of the former Scend’s. Rob Ben’s menu branches out beyond the fried food Scend’s was famous for to include more Barbecued items smoked on their custom pit.
The menu is distinctly ‘Marshawn’ with many items named after those close to him including the “Momma Lynch”. The “Beastmode Platter” at $84.99 comes with a mountain of food including 10 wings, 6 pieces of fish, 6 oysters, 6 prawns, 4 pork chops and 5 sides.
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The restaurant’s name is a tribute to Lynch’s childhood friend Robert Benjamin who gunned down in Oakland in 2007 at the young age of 25.
No hours have been posted yet but Rob Ben’s will eventually be open for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Fans of the original Scend’s can head to ‘Scend’s II’ which opened in San Leandro earlier this year.
That’s not the greatest location, not enough foot traffic and hard to park. Will still give them a try, looks like a good menu and wish them the best.
Scend’s was packed every evening they were open, despite location, lack of foot traffic and parking issues. Those are not obstacles when you desire great food.
He’s got 3 retail Beastmode location! Oakland Seattle and vegas
I don’t see any skittles on menu
[…] Scend’s space in 2017 which had operated at 3627 San Pablo Avenue since 1983. Lynch opened Rob Ben’s in 2018 employing a cast of family members and close […]