“We basically just did 14 years’ worth of spring cleaning and maintenance,” says owner Kendra Feather, who is also owner of Garnett’s Café and a partner in The Roosevelt, which is celebrating its one-year anniversary.

The renovation includes a brand new bar among other changes, such as a hand-stenciled back wall and a new tree out front.

“The new bar is pretty astounding,” says Feather. “Some customers may not notice the difference, but for me, at least I know it’s ready to stand up to the next 14 years.”

While the restaurant continues to carry appetizing gluten-free and vegan pies and cake, the menu has also been revamped. Among the new dinner entrées are Mofongo (mashed plantains with black-eyed peas and vegetables in a tomato-peanut broth), Bhindi Masala (okra in a spiced yogurt sauce over basmati rice with naan), Toasted Quinoa Risotto (with eggplant, fennel, squash and tomato) and Farfalle (fresh pasta in a confit of local tomatoes with spinach and squash).

“We changed the menu to coincide with the renovation because the closing gave Will [Wienckowski, the chef] some extra vacation time,” says Feather. “And he came back refreshed and full of great new ideas.”

With the renovation coming in the middle of a busy year running three restaurants, Feather admits that her job can be overwhelming at times. 

“Honestly, I feel like I am always being pulled in a million directions,” she says. “I haven’t yet mastered the balancing act, nor have I mastered the guilt I feel when I’m not around ‘enough.’ I’m fortunate to have a wonderful staff; they make me laugh and stay lighthearted.”