For over two decades, husband-and-wife duo Kim and Jon Dressler have been introducing innovative restaurant concepts to the Queen City through their group, Rare Roots Hospitality. Now known for the variety and versatility of their restaurant concepts, they first made their mark in 2003 with Dressler’s at Birkdale Village, followed by a second location at The Metropolitan in 2010.
Rare Roots Grows
Today, the original Birkdale space is home to the second outpost of Fin & Fino, a seafood and raw bar establishment that first opened in Uptown. In south Charlotte, The Porter’s House has emerged as the designation for a tall glass of bourbon and a mouthwatering slab of porterhouse steak. Meanwhile, Rare Roots’ most recent concept, Chapter 6, serves Mediterranean fare in the heart of South End. Rounding out the Rare Roots portfolio, Joan’s Bakery in Midtown dishes out the decadent cakes also available on the dessert menus at other Rare Roots offerings.
While each concept has its own identity, all are unified by carefully crafted menus and a commitment to making guests feel like part of the family. After all, family is the backbone of the Rare Roots establishment. Not only do Kim, Jon, and daughter Ally Dressler each have a hand in Rare Roots operations, but the hospitality group has attracted team members who have celebrated ten- and twenty-year anniversaries with the company and now feel like family. Among them are Director of Operations Tim Buchanan and Executive Chef Scott Hollingsworth, longtime team members who have helped guide Rare Roots’ growth and culture.
Strategic Partnerships
Just as Rare Roots’ team has evolved, so too has its influence beyond its standalone restaurants. Strategic partnerships have enabled the group to bring its signature flavors to new audiences across the city. For example, this spring, Rare Roots partnered with Middle C Jazz Club, an intimate venue in Uptown that hosts regional and national stars. Together, they brought the Dressler’s experience to concertgoers, including longtime Dressler’s small plate favorites like fried calamari with thai peanut sauce, warm bacon jam, and jumbo lump crab dip, plus new creations such as hummus flatbread and BBQ shrimp.
Another Rare Roots success story is its partnership with The Westin. In SouthPark, Rare Roots restaurant Dogwood had cultivated a loyal following through its modern approach to Southern classics, focus on seasonal produce, and inventive cocktail menu. In 2023, Dogwood closed its doors, but found new life inside The Westin as part of a three-phase, $24M renovation project.
“The decision to partner with this esteemed culinary team was an easy one. The expertise and reputation of Rare Roots Hospitality will bring the energy and dedication to craft we’ve been looking for,” says Geoffrey Cousineau, General Manager of The Westin Charlotte.
Although some food menu favorites have lived on in this new iteration of Dogwood, Rare Roots’ resident mixologist, Brittany Kellum, crafted an entirely new cocktail menu.
The Rare Roots Experience
One of Rare Roots’ most high-profile collaborations is with the food and beverage team at the Spectrum Center, home of the Charlotte Hornets. Fans attending games can now enjoy select Rare Roots dishes at various concession stands, including Mom’s Cheesecake from Joan’s, Prime Rib Sandwich from Dressler’s, and a Poké Bowl from Fin & Fino.
“In our search for a Carolinas-based restaurant group to collaborate with, Rare Roots really stood out,” says Hornets Sports & Entertainment Executive Vice President & Chief Venues Officer Donna Julian. “Their efforts align with our vision and renewed focus on providing a high-quality, diverse food and beverage experience that meets the needs and tastes of everyone who walks through our doors.”
With each concept and collaboration, Rare Roots Hospitality enriches Charlotte’s culinary landscape by offering thoughtfully crafted menus, inviting atmospheres, and a genuine sense of connection. Whether you’re savoring a refined steakhouse dinner, grabbing a quick bite at a Hornets game, or enjoying live jazz with small plates, Rare Roots provides dining experiences that both shape and are shaped by the city’s culture, creativity, and innovation.
