The following excerpt was published in The Charlotte Business Journal on March 5, 2026. Robbie Adams and Josh Suggs of MPV represented the landlord in this transaction.
Link to original article: https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2026/03/05/roots-cafe-restaurant-arbitration-american-fare.html
Roots Cafe inks lease for new spot while South End restaurant’s future remains unclear
Roots Cafe is taking a step forward — even in the face of ongoing arbitration tied to its South End home.
Chef and owner Craig Barbour has inked a deal to open a new location in the Madison Park neighborhood. That venture, dubbed Roots Cafe 2.0, will be a two-phase project at 5033 South Blvd. That’s part of the Madison Corners Shopping Center, located at the corner of South Boulevard and Seneca Place.
“We have been searching for the ideal spot for a long-term home for a while now,” said Barbour.
This spring, Roots will open a roughly 1,385-square-foot coffee shop with approximately 30 seats, including traditional tables and soft seating. That site was formerly home to the Madison Perk coffee concept. Expect Enderly Coffee roasts, pastries, a limited hot menu and a handful of to-go items such parfaits, fruit cups and salads.
The project’s second phase will build out a full kitchen and accommodate additional guest seating. It will be 1,127 square feet with a wall knocked down between the spaces.
“I think it’ll transform the feel a little bit, once we’re able to combine the two spaces,” Barbour says. “A full kitchen — unlike our current location — means our capabilities will be much must much greater.”
That will allow the restaurant to offer an expanded menu, including classic Roots fare and kid’s options as well as special features. Think American food with a focus on local ingredients. There will be breakfast burritos, a roasted carrot bowl and wraps such as the chicken Caesar Wrap and grilled chicken avocado wrap.
Barbour will work with Freshlist, which connects Carolina family farms to the community, on food sourcing.
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Roots plans to be open seven days a week in Madison Park. Hours will be determined. The larger space makes it possible to accommodate groups, with free parking available.
Roots will be neighbors with The Auto Pour, Uptown Cheapskate and Toppers Pizza at Madison Corners. Robbie Branstrom and Josh Suggs with MPV Properties represented the landlord on the lease. Jay Mitchener with Thrift Commercial Real Estate Services represented Roots Cafe.
