Roe & Olivia’s is coming to Charlotte’s Lower South End, bringing together Charlotte chef Andres Kaifer and Miami chef Michael Beltran for their first restaurant concept as partners. The 3,644-square-foot restaurant will occupy the former Giovanna’s space at 3531 Dewitt Lane and have approximately 120 seats, including patio seating. The restaurant is expected to open in late 2026, according to the chefs’ August 19 press release.
The partnership began more than a decade ago when Beltran interviewed Kaifer for a chef position at his Miami restaurant. They remained close over the years, with Kaifer later celebrating his wedding at Beltran’s Ariete. Their professional relationship grew through consulting work and eventually led them to discuss opening a restaurant together.
“We’re very like-minded people when it comes to food, leadership, and culture of restaurants and kitchens,” Beltran told WhatNow Charlotte. The restaurant’s name comes from their first-born daughters, Roe and Olivia, who were born just hours apart on the same day.
The chefs see Roe & Olivia’s as an extension of the relationship between their two families. The concept is rooted in the idea that some of life’s most meaningful moments happen around a table, with the restaurant designed to feel familiar and welcoming rather than overly formal.
Kaifer will bring those shared roots to the menu, which he said will feature “a heavy Spanish and Cuban influence” based on the food both chefs grew up eating. The menu will also focus on local sourcing and seasonal ingredients from North Carolina’s Piedmont.
“We’ll let the seasons and what’s growing locally dictate what will be featured on the menu,” Kaifer said, describing the food as “approachable but elevated.” He also pointed to the region’s farmers and agriculture as an important part of the restaurant’s culinary direction.
The Lower South End location was another draw. Kaifer said the former Giovanna’s space offered a rare second-generation opportunity because of its size and relatively new construction. “It was an incredible opportunity in a great city that’s growing at a high rate in a good neighborhood, a sought-after neighborhood,” he said.
For Beltran, the restaurant will focus on creating a welcoming neighborhood destination. “We’re trying to create at Roe and Olivia’s a place that people feel at home,” he said, envisioning everything from a Tuesday cocktail and snack to larger weekend gatherings.
Beltran said that flexibility is important to the concept, giving guests a place for different occasions without feeling like they need a reason to visit. Whether stopping in for a quick bite, meeting for drinks or gathering with family and friends, the goal is to make Roe & Olivia’s feel like a natural part of the neighborhood.
The chefs plan some design and décor changes to the existing restaurant, but Kaifer said there is not significant work required. The timeline remains dependent on permitting and other preparations.
