Marisa Lewiecki and Jordan Rubin
Bar Futo and Mr. Tuna | Portland, ME
SEPTEMBER 2023
Jordan Rubin has been working with sushi for almost his entire career. In 2002, Rubin started off manning the counter at a barbecue spot in Providence. One day, while working the line at Ten Prime Steak and Sushi, the sushi chef’s assistant didn’t show up, so Rubin stepped in. He quickly fell in love with sushi making and wanted to learn more, and got a job at a sushi restaurant in Gloucester, Massachusetts. He moved to Boston to the sashimi bar, UNI, and began a sushi residency at the Madfish Grill in Gloucester, Massachusetts. After three years there, the building was sold and he began to seek out his next venture.
Originally from Essex, Massachusetts, Marisa Lewiecki has been in the restaurant industry since she was a teenager, working at the famous clam shack Woodman’s of Essex. After college, she translated her business and marketing studies into front of house operations, working across Massachusetts until she landed at a restaurant on the North Shore, where she met future business and life partner, Rubin. In 2014, the duo moved to Portland, Maine; Rubin picking up shifts at Central Provisions, and Lewiecki at Vignola. They joined the opening team at Solo Italiano, with Rubin running the restaurant’s crudo program.
In 2017, Rubin and Lewiecki opened a small sushi cart showcasing fresh, local seafood. The cart became more popular and they expanded, opening their brick-and-mortar, Mr. Tuna, in 2018. Rubin went on to collaborate with then employee, (and 2023 Rising Star Community Award Winner) Cyle Reynolds, and opened Thai street food spot Crispy Gài. In 2022, Rubin and Lewiecki opened their second concept together, Bar Futo, a full-service restaurant that focuses on Japanese charcoal grilling techniques. Across their restaurants, Lewiecki runs the operations side of the properties, supporting their employees and social media efforts, while Rubin is in charge of the back of house, creating spaces where the group’s cooks can learn, grow, and collaborate with other local businesses.
2023 StarChefs Coastal New England Rising Stars Award Winners
