Today we’d like to introduce you to Mitchell Coles.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My path hasn’t been linear, but it’s been intentional. I’ve always been drawn to building environments where people feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to grow; whether that’s through food, real estate, or community spaces.
I began my career working across finance, law, and operations, which gave me a strong foundation in how systems work behind the scenes. But what consistently pulled me forward was the human side of business; how places are experienced, how teams are built, and how communities form around shared values. That intersection eventually led me into hospitality and real estate, not as separate pursuits, but as complementary tools for creating stability, opportunity, and connection.
Arbol Eatery grew out of that philosophy. It wasn’t designed simply as a restaurant, but as a gathering place; a space where food, culture, wellness, and conversation naturally come together. From there, my work expanded into real estate investing and development, with a focus on education, long-term value, and projects that strengthen the neighborhoods they’re part of. I’m less interested in isolated wins and more focused on building ecosystems that can sustain people, businesses, and ideas over time.
Along the way, I’ve learned that leadership is less about visibility and more about consistency: showing up, making disciplined decisions, and creating structures that allow others to thrive. Today, my work spans hospitality, real estate, and community-building initiatives, all rooted in the same belief: when you design spaces with intention and integrity, they become platforms for growth far beyond the original vision.
As we look ahead, Raleigh represents the next chapter of that work; an opportunity to bring what we’ve built in Charlotte into a new community, learn from it, and grow alongside it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and I don’t think meaningful work ever is. The biggest challenges I’ve faced weren’t just financial or operational; they were moments that tested my judgment, patience, and ability to lead through uncertainty.
Building businesses in hospitality and real estate means operating in environments where margins are tight, variables are constant, and people depend on you to make the right decisions even when information is incomplete. I’ve had to navigate setbacks related to timing, partnerships, capital constraints, and growth that moved faster than the infrastructure underneath it. Those moments force you to slow down, reassess, and build stronger systems instead of chasing momentum for its own sake.
Another challenge has been learning when to carry responsibility alone and when to ask for help. Early on, I felt pressure to handle everything myself. Over time, I’ve learned that sustainable leadership is about delegation, trust, and clarity, creating frameworks that allow others to perform at a high level without burning out the organization or the people inside it.
Perhaps the most important lesson has been learning how to stay grounded through adversity. Challenges have shaped how I lead today: with more discipline, better boundaries, and a deeper respect for process. Those experiences didn’t just make the businesses stronger; they made the vision clearer and more durable.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Monarca Food Group?
Monarca Food Group is a hospitality and community-focused company built around the idea that well-designed spaces can bring people together in meaningful ways. The group is best known for Arbol Eatery, a concept rooted in culture, wellness, and connection; where food serves as a starting point for conversation, collaboration, and community.
What sets our work apart is that we don’t view hospitality as transactional. Our spaces are designed to function as gathering points; places where professionals, creatives, neighbors, and visitors feel equally welcome. Arbol Eatery, in particular, has become known not just for its food, but for the environment it creates: thoughtful, inclusive, and intentionally curated to support both everyday moments and larger community experiences.
Beyond hospitality, Monarca Food Group’s work extends into real estate and community-oriented initiatives that align with the same philosophy. Real estate is approached as a long-term tool for stability and opportunity, while community efforts focus on education, access, and creating platforms where people can grow together. Rather than operating in silos, each part of the organization reinforces the others.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is the consistency. Whether someone encounters our work through a meal, a space, or a collaboration, the experience reflects the same values; integrity, intention, and care. As we look toward expanding into the Raleigh area, our goal isn’t simply to open new locations, but to build relationships and contribute thoughtfully to the communities we become part of.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
One thing that often surprises people is how much of my work is shaped by discipline and structure rather than spontaneity. From the outside, hospitality and community-building can look energetic and fluid, and they are, but behind that is a very intentional, methodical approach.
I spend a significant amount of time thinking about systems, process, and sustainability: how teams are supported, how decisions compound over time, and how spaces function day after day, not just on their best nights. I’m deeply focused on the details most people never see; workflow, pacing, design choices, financial structure, because those are what allow creativity and connection to exist without chaos.
Another surprise for some is that I’m naturally reflective and reserved. I’m comfortable being visible when the work calls for it, but much of my fulfillment comes from building quietly, listening closely, and creating environments where others can step forward. For me, leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room, it’s about creating clarity, stability, and trust so that the collective can move forward with confidence.
Pricing:
- Our hospitality concepts are designed to be approachable and inclusive, with offerings that work for everyday visits as well as curated events and private gatherings.
- Pricing varies by experience—ranging from casual dine-in options to customized catering, events, and community activations.
- For real estate and educational initiatives, pricing and participation are project-based and structured around long-term value, transparency, and alignment rather than one-size-fits-all packages.
- We prioritize clarity and fairness in pricing across all of our work, ensuring guests, partners, and collaborators understand the value of what they’re engaging with.
- Specific details are shared directly with clients and partners to ensure each engagement is thoughtfully tailored.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://colesmitchell.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchlc35/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-coles-1667a690/
- Other: https://arboleatery.com/
