There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly brewed coffee paired with the warmth of human connection—that’s exactly what you’ll find at Roots Café in Charleston, South Carolina.

Tucked in the heart of the West Ashley neighborhood, this rising star in Charleston’s café scene is brewing more than just coffee; it’s cultivating a deep-rooted sense of community. From farm-fresh ingredients to partnerships with local artisans, Roots Café is redefining what it means to be a neighborhood coffee shop.

This week on CompaniesByZipCode.com’s “Local Business Spotlight,” we’re proud to feature a business that is as authentic as the city it calls home. If you’ve ever wondered where to find the perfect latte, a wholesome bite, and a smile that feels like home—all in one place—Roots Café is your answer.

Before You Sip That Coffee… Here’s Why You Can’t Miss This Story

It’s not every day a café becomes the heartbeat of a neighborhood. Roots Café isn’t your average coffee stop; it’s a community gathering place that’s been lighting up local media and Instagram feeds lately with its charming decor, farm-to-table brunch plates, and socially-driven mission. Whether you’re a foodie, a Charleston local, or a tourist in search of the city’s best hidden gems, this spotlight will introduce you to a destination that serves more than just quality coffee—it serves connection, creativity, and local pride.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Roots Café
• Business Overview: A Taste of Charleston, One Bite at a Time
• Community Impact: Serving Much More Than Coffee
• Customer Experience: What Locals and Visitors Are Saying
• Visual Journey: A Peek Inside Roots Café
• Call to Action: Brew Some Memories at Roots Café

1. Introduction to Roots Café

Located at 1977 Maybank Highway, Charleston, SC 29412, Roots Café is not just a café—it’s an experience. Since opening its doors in early 2021, Roots Café has quickly positioned itself as a cornerstone of the West Ashley neighborhood. Owners and founders Kelly and Jason Moore, both Charleston natives, envisioned “a local-first, flavor-forward” café that supports the Lowcountry’s rich agricultural community while providing a casual yet elevated dining space.

Roots Café blends Southern hospitality with modern culinary trends, offering everything from specialty espresso drinks and smoothies to full brunch plates featuring locally sourced ingredients. Their commitment to sustainability and community engagement has garnered attention not just in Charleston, but beyond, making them one of the “Most Visible Brands” on CompaniesByZipCode.com for the 29412 zip code.

2. Business Overview: A Taste of Charleston, One Bite at a Time

A Mission-Driven Café with Local Roots

At its core, Roots Café channels the spirit of Charleston: charming yet refined, historic yet contemporary. The menu is crafted with health and sustainability in mind, sourcing eggs from nearby Legare Farms, bread from Brown’s Court Bakery, and produce from GrowFood Carolina—one of the largest food hubs supporting South Carolina farmers.

What’s Brewing Inside?

Signature menu items include:

• The Grit Bowl – Creamy stone-ground grits topped with poached egg, sautéed spinach, confit tomatoes, and grass-fed sausage.
• Lavender Honey Latte – A house-favorite espresso drink sweetened with local honey and floral hints of lavender.
• Avocado Toast with a Southern Twist – Sourdough topped with smashed avocado, pickled red onions, heirloom tomatoes, and a poached egg.

Add to that a curated selection of smoothies, homemade muffins, and weekend specials, and you’ll see why the café’s brunch line often extends out the door.

A Space to Connect

Roots Café features an open kitchen, minimalistic wood interiors, and cozy terrace seating. Local art adorns the walls, many pieces created by Charleston-based creatives. Whether you’re there for a quick bite or a two-hour catching-up session, the ambiance is curated for both productivity and relaxation.

3. Community Impact: Serving Much More Than Coffee

Giving Back Through Every Cup

Staying true to their name, the team at Roots Café makes it a top priority to give back. A percentage of profits is reinvested into community gardens across Charleston’s underserved communities. Their “Cup for a Cause” program offers specially branded mugs, with proceeds going toward nonprofits like Fields to Families and Charleston Moves.

Championing Local Artisans

Each month, Roots Café showcases a different local artist or small business on their Community Wall. From artisans and textile makers to authors and musicians, the café acts as a mini-gallery promoting creativity and entrepreneurship in Charleston.

Sustainability In Practice

The café has implemented compostable packaging, metal straws, and offers a $0.25 discount for customers who bring in reusable cups. They also partner with local food waste programs to ensure leftovers are redistributed rather than discarded.

4. Customer Experience: What Locals and Visitors Are Saying

Rave Reviews from the Neighborhood

Browse through Yelp, TripAdvisor, or Instagram, and you’ll immediately see why Roots Café has over 4.9 stars across platforms. Here’s what a few happy customers had to say:

“Roots Café feels like coming home. From the first sip of my chai latte to the last bite of the grit bowl, I was in heaven.” – Sarah M., Yelp Review

“Every inch of space tells a story—whether it’s the art on the walls or the fact that their eggs come from just 20 miles away. This place gets local.” – Tony C., Google Review

“The lavender honey latte changed my life. No joke. The best cup of coffee I’ve had in Charleston and I’ve lived here 10 years.” – Crystal B., TripAdvisor

Regular Events and Activities

Roots Café hosts monthly “Comm-Unity Saturday” brunches where a portion of the day’s revenue supports a rotating charity. Live music, pop-up farmers’ markets, and intimate poetry nights are also frequently on the calendar.

5. Visual Journey: A Peek Inside Roots Café

Note: Images displayed with permission from Roots Café Charleston.

The charming outdoor patio—a favorite brunch spot when the weather is warm.

A light breakfast with a visual and flavorful punch.

Local art changes every month—celebrating Charleston’s creative community.

6. Call to Action: Brew Some Memories at Roots Café

As you explore Charleston, make sure Roots Café is on your itinerary. Whether you’re seeking a caffeine boost, a soulful brunch, or a community-oriented space to work and unwind—this café warmly welcomes everyone.

Support local. Start by visiting Roots Café at 1977 Maybank Hwy, Charleston, SC 29412. Discover more standout small businesses like this one by browsing the “Most Visible Brands” section at CompaniesByZipCode.com.

Share this article with your fellow foodies, coffee lovers, and community champions—and let Roots Café become a part of your Charleston story.