New Nostalgia at Merchant Roots

CA Home & Design

“Meet Merchant Roots: San Francisco’s very first one-two punch of craft goods and high-quality dining that encompasses aspects of a specialty food and wine shop, casual eatery, and fine-dining restaurant. Opening its doors in early May, the small but mighty 1,000-square-foot space is infused with a “new nostalgia” vibe, incorporating clean and modern finishes juxtaposed with salvaged pieces (like a circa 1900 vintage sausage stuffer and a Torchio hand press pasta maker).”

Rue Mag

”Versatility is the key to success! Merchant Roots’ design is minimalistic to establish a neutral canvas for both craft grocer and restaurant components, but it’s purposely and thoughtfully designed for each use. We have a street-facing pasta counter where passersby can observe the pasta making process, and it functions as daily entertainment for some people, which is so fun. That draws a lot of interest and brings customers into the shop… The Table is tucked around the corner away from the grocer counter so there’s a level of privacy, but it doesn’t negate the fact that you’re dining inside of a mixed-use space; that’s by design as that’s part of the experience.”

Star Chefs

Lights, Camera, Dinner

“My partner and I were talking about the challenge of a seven-day-a-week restaurant, and how it’s just kind of a flawed system. We wanted to do something more interactive with guests,”... Five days a week Merchant Roots is a craft grocer and café and three nights a week—Thursday, Friday, Saturday—it’s a restaurant with one table for eight guests.”