More good news for The Root Café! Jack and Corri Sundell, the restaurant’s owners, received a $150,000 grant from JPMorgan Chase Bank on Wednesday.
It was part of the bank’s Mission Main Street program, which dished out $3 million to 20 businesses across the country, including The Root. There were more than 25,000 applicants for the grant.
What the Sundells plan to do with the money is what has us so excited: Expansion. You heard right.
Jack and Corri plan on expanding the restaurant’s kitchen, storage and dining space, and making a few upgrades to the heating and air units, along with the restaurant’s equipment. They’re also — don’t pass out — working on opening up the restaurant for dinner service sometime later this year.
Jack Sundell said the restaurant would be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday for dinner, in addition to its normal hours, once the expansion is complete.
“Our mission since inception has been building community through local food, but it’s truly the community of central Arkansas that has built the Root Café,” Sundell said.
Don’t worry, the Sundells have no plans to strip the local favorite of its cozy, family-friendly atmosphere in the midst of the expansion.
It’s been a good couple of months for The Root. This news comes on the heels of its win on HLN documentary, “Growing America: A Journey to Success.” That netted the Sundells $25,000 and a plaque.
The Root Café is open 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. For more information, check out the restaurant’s Facebook page or website.