Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin & Katie Meddis.
Hi Justin & Katie , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Katie and I moved to Durham from SF in the summer of 2012 after working in various acclaimed restaurants in the Bay Area. We came here to fill the need for a couple things we couldn’t get on the west coast; an easier place to live, a good place to start a business and eventually start a family.
We opened Rose’s Meat Market and Sweet Shop in June 2013, Focusing on whole animal butchery from local pasture raised meat, sausages and other value added products and of course seasonal handmade pastries.
After growing a following for prepared foods like our Ramen, we made the decision to change over to a full time restaurant in 2017. Like the butcher shop, the restaurant focuses on local ingredients, but now prepared with asian inspiration, in an ever changing menu of seasonal dishes. The pastry side remains as staple for both desserts in the restaurant, handmade ice cream and pastries to go.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not sure any restaurants story is a completely smooth road, and ours is more one of evolution. Selling meat in the capacity that we were when we started was not the most profitable part of the business and it was our prepared foods that really kept things afloat. That’s why we made the change we did (besides the fact that most of our experience was in restaurants). That in itself was a huge undertaking and leap of faith TBH. Since opening the restaurant, we have tried to spotlight and improve upon what our guests order the most and introduce new items while keeping with our core values. There’s been so many dishes that have come and gone and/or flopped since we opened that it’s almost mind boggling. We are incredibly grateful for all our guests support over the years.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We specialize in local ingredients prepared simply with asian influences, Knowing who and where our ingredients come from is paramount and it’s what drives our menu, which is why it changes as much as it does.
On the savory side we are known for our steam buns, belt noodles, salads (my favorite part of the menu), onigiri and of course or ramen.
The pastry side’s offerings change at the same pace and it’s well known for their macarons, handpies and galette’s. And then there’s the ice cream, whether it be in a cup or in one of our ice cream sandwiches, if you’ve been in the triangle for a while chances are you’ve had one. And if you haven’t, well…..
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Cookbooks from the Regulator in Durham and obscure youtube cooking channels from East Asian countries.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rosesdurham.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosesdurhamnc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RosesDurhamNC
Image Credits
Damon Butler/Triangle Blvd
Zachary Photography in Durham
