If you haven’t heard of this place, you probably should, because for two years it has been turning heads and filling stomachs with unique, innovative food in downtown Edenton.

The creation of chef/owner Kristopher Bateman, an Edenton native, Downtown Roots is entering its third year of operation, so we sat down with him to discuss restaurants, his culinary history, and what it is like to own a business in Edenton.

Every year, thousands of people come to Edenton. Between visiting historical sites like the Penelope Barker house, learning about important figures like Harriet Jacobs, and seeing what Edenton has to offer, they have to find someplace to eat.

​More and more of them are coming to Downtown Roots.​

The story of this restaurant is one of the reasons why it is so fulfilling to share this incredible place with so many people every year.

It’s not only a feel-good story, but it is also a story of small-town success.

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