Discover the story behind Inverness' newest culinary gem, Roots Cafe.
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Roots Cafe: Inverness’ first fully vegetarian cafe opens soon
Diners in Inverness looking for a vegetarian haven can look forward to the grand opening of Roots Cafe, a new establishment set to launch next week. Located in the former Velocity Cafe on Crown Avenue, Roots Cafe promises to be a unique addition to the Highland Capital’s culinary scene as the only fully vegetarian cafe in the area.
A new beginning after Velocity’s closure
Velocity Cafe, a beloved local spot, unfortunately went into liquidation last November, leaving its staff without jobs. However, the former head chef, River Elliott, and cafe supervisor, Rebecca MacKintosh, saw an opportunity amidst the challenges.
The duo, who began working together in 2021, decided to take over the premises and fulfill their long-held dream of owning a cafe.
River, 30, and Rebecca, 36, shared their journey with the Press and Journal, stating, “Velocity went into liquidation in November last year, and it was all very sudden. Within six days we didn’t have jobs. We sat down after that and we had this kind of semi-crazy idea; ‘Why don’t we do it?’” Their vision for Roots Cafe is not just about serving food but also about creating a community space where people can connect.
Roots Cafe will retain many of Velocity’s most popular dishes, including the cooked breakfast and shakshuka, while also introducing exciting new items. River has crafted a unique carrot cake French toast that has already garnered positive reactions from early tasters. The cafe aims to provide a fresh and innovative menu that caters to the tastes of both locals and visitors.
In a bid to enhance the dining experience, the owners plan to relocate the kitchen to a larger space, allowing them to prepare all their products from scratch. River emphasized the importance of quality, stating, “We already bake all our cakes on site and make our bagels, but when the kitchen moves, I want to do our own sourdough and white bread too.” This commitment to quality ingredients and homemade dishes is at the heart of Roots Cafe’s philosophy.
Community focus and job creation
Roots Cafe is not just about food; it’s also about fostering a sense of community. The cafe will feature a community table, a beloved aspect of Velocity that many patrons have requested to keep. Rebecca noted, “Everyone was asking us to please keep the table. We have slightly narrowed it, but it’s still there, and I think a lot of people like that because they come in on their own and they can just sit and chat with others.”
Moreover, the opening of Roots Cafe has also resulted in job creation. Two former Velocity employees will join the new team, and three additional positions will be filled, providing much-needed employment in the area.
Excitement builds for the opening
As the opening day approaches, excitement is palpable among the community. During a recent visit, a local woman inquired, “When are you actually going to open?” River and Rebecca expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received, stating, “We’ve had so many people trying to come in this morning. People are excited.” Roots Cafe will welcome its first customers next week, operating Monday to Saturday from 9 am to pm and Sundays from 10 am to pm.
The young entrepreneurs extended their heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making their dream a reality, particularly those who supported their crowdfunding campaign. “Without the crowdfunder and these investors, it just wouldn’t be possible,” they remarked. The community’s enthusiasm and support have played a crucial role in bringing Roots Cafe to life, and the owners are eager to share their passion for vegetarian cuisine with Inverness.
