LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — For the last 5 years, Eat It Up has set out to share the stories of locally-owned eateries across the Natural State. This week we hit a very special milestone with episode number 200!
We thought to ourselves, what better way to celebrate than by returning to our roots? No, literally, we’re going back to The Root Cafe, where our very first episode was filmed!
“The Root Café is a farm-to-table restaurant,” explained co-owner and operator Jack Sundell. “Our mission is building community through local food and that has been at the core of everything we’ve done since opening 13 years ago.”
Nearly all of the ingredients used here are sourced locally. For example, the beef comes from Simon Farms outside of Conway, other meats come from Rabbit Ridge Farms in Bee Branch, and the popular spring mix comes from Five Acre Farm.
“We want to highlight the very best things Arkansas has to offer and put those things together in a restaurant meal so when you come here you can see the beautiful things Arkansas farmers and producers are creating,” he described.
Visiting The Root Cafe is a unique experience. It’s been called “granny chic” for its eclectic décor and country atmosphere.
While many things have changed at The Root, others have remained the same. A treat for anyone who visits is getting to pick out your own coffee mug. You’ll have dozens to choose from that come from all over the country. Sundell told us people send him mugs routinely. If you look closely, you may even find a vintage THV11 mug!
Our visit back also shed light on when to expect the opening of The Root Cafe’s new location in Little Rock’s Breckenridge Village. You may recall we told you about this planned expansion last year.
Sundell told us it will happen in the “calendar year 2024”.
He went on to add that along with all the staples we’ve come to know and love will be available at the new West Little Rock location, there will be new additions as well— including a full-service bar and more of an emphasis on a dinner menu.
Until then, The Root Cafe is open in Little Rock's SoMa district at 1500 Main Street from Tuesday through Sunday.
