Rooster’s Wood Fired Kitchen – The Bowl at Ballantyne – Charlotte, NC
The Vision
The vision for Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen at The Bowl in Ballantyne was to create a fresh, modern iteration of the beloved restaurant brand—a space Noble Food & Pursuits calls “Rooster’s 2.0.” This 7,500-square-foot restaurant marked the first new Rooster’s location in over a decade and aimed to showcase an updated aesthetic while maintaining the brand’s celebrated culinary focus on Southern-inspired European cuisine.
The design vision was driven by the idea of a welcoming, comfortable environment where diners could enjoy the flavors of wood-fired cooking amidst a contemporary yet rustic ambiance. Featuring earthy tones, tall ceilings, and lighter woods, the space sought to blend natural materials like wood, steel, and stone with subtle, fly-fishing-inspired accents. These elements would give the restaurant a unique personality while honoring Chef Jim Noble’s passion for fly fishing and his commitment to community and hospitality.
Rooster’s at The Bowl was not only an evolution of the brand but also a stepping stone toward broader growth, setting the tone for a new chapter of expansion into additional markets over the next five years.
The Project
Doerre Construction was honored to bring this vision to life, serving as the general contractor for this high-profile project. Our team embraced the challenge of delivering a thoughtfully designed space that balances functionality with artistic expression.
The project involved significant coordination with Southwick Architecture + Interiors to achieve a cohesive look that integrated custom finishes, like character white oak for a lighter feel, corrugated metal and patinaed copper accents, and a stunning green ombre paint scheme. Attention to detail was critical, as every design element—from the open kitchen featuring a wood-fired pizza oven to the charcoal granite bar top with a leathered finish—had to reflect the sophisticated, yet approachable, brand identity of Rooster’s.
Throughout the construction process, Doerre Construction adhered to our commitment to proactive communication and real-world problem-solving, ensuring the project stayed on schedule and met exacting quality standards. The 30-foot ceilings and ample use of glass presented unique challenges, which our team overcame through collaborative solutions that prioritized safety, durability, and design integrity.
We also worked to incorporate Chef Noble’s passion for fly fishing into the restaurant’s aesthetic. This included custom installations such as a fly-fishing silhouette over the open kitchen, shadow boxes with fishing memorabilia, and life-sized photos of Noble’s favorite fishing haunts. These bespoke details required precision craftsmanship to seamlessly integrate into the broader design.
Owner
Noble Food and Pursuits
Architect
Bryan Southwick
The Grand Opening
Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen at The Bowl officially opened its doors to the public for dinner service, introducing diners to a revitalized take on a cherished dining experience. The grand opening was a resounding success, drawing in loyal customers and new patrons alike.
The finished restaurant embodies the vision of “Rooster’s 2.0,” with a space that is both visually stunning and highly functional. Guests are greeted with an inviting mix of booth and table seating in the main dining area, a chef’s table with prime views of the open kitchen, and a semi-private dining room for special gatherings. The atmosphere is further elevated by thoughtful details like copper pans, fly-fishing artifacts, and curated lighting, which create a warm, memorable ambiance.
From a culinary perspective, the expanded kitchen capabilities—including a wood-fired pizza oven—have allowed Rooster’s to enhance its menu, adding dishes that have already proven popular with takeout customers.
The project marks a significant milestone for both Noble Food & Pursuits and Doerre Construction, symbolizing innovation, teamwork, and a shared commitment to excellence. It sets the stage for the brand’s ambitious growth plans, while also reinforcing Doerre’s reputation as a trusted partner in delivering exceptional dining environments.
Rooster’s at The Bowl stands as a testament to the Doerre Way—where passion, collaboration, and quality come together to create remarkable spaces. We are proud to have played a role in launching this next chapter for such an iconic brand.
