A new dining concept centered on elevated comfort food and a craft kitchen experience is scheduled to join the Village at Hendrix within the coming weeks. Roost & Tap Kitchen will occupy the suite at 1050 Ellis Ave., marking the latest commercial addition to the mixed-use development located near Hendrix College.

The restaurant is the brainchild of local entrepreneur and hospitality veteran Charles Frost, who aims to fill a void in the local dining scene by offering a high-quality experience that remains approachable. Frost, who has spent years in the industry, designed the concept as a modernization of the classic Southern diner, blending familiar flavors with a refined environment. He seeks to provide a space where the quality of the cuisine matches the sophistication of the setting without losing the heart of traditional comfort food.

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The menu is designed to appeal to a broad demographic, ranging from college students to young professionals and families. At the center of the culinary program is a selection of signature poultry, featuring chicken that undergoes a 24-hour brining process before being fried or prepared rotisserie-style. Beyond chicken, the kitchen will serve custom burgers, pork chops that can be ordered fried or blackened with a red pepper jelly, and specialized pasta dishes that utilize shredded rotisserie meat.

For those looking for shared plates, the menu includes various loaded fries and tater tots, including truffle tater tots inspired by the street food scenes of larger metropolitan hubs like Nashville. These are complemented by modernized Southern sides such as smothered gumbo-style greens, garlic mashed potatoes and lemon garlic broccolini. The Tap portion of the name refers to a curated selection of craft beers and beverages designed to pair specifically with the savory, salt-forward profile of the menu.

The decision to establish the restaurant in the Village at Hendrix was a strategic move based on the area’s existing synergy. Frost noted that the location’s proximity to Hendrix College, surrounding residential neighborhoods and established businesses like La Pista made it the ideal spot to launch the project. He believes the area is primed for a concept that offers both a quick lunch for workers and a relaxed dinner destination for residents.

“I’ve always wanted to find a way to bring value to a community that has brought me so much value,” Frost said. “We have a lot of food options in our city, but there’s often four of each thing. I wanted to bring a concept that Conway hasn’t had yet.”

Construction and remodeling efforts are currently entering the final stages at the Ellis Avenue site. While the timeline is subject to final permits and inspections, Frost is targeting an opening date in early February. The ownership team has set a firm goal to be fully operational and serving the community by March.