ROANOKE, Va. – You know what they say, a healthy body is a healthy mind, and the owner of downtown Roanoke’s Fruits and Roots is hoping to bring that mantra to life right here at home.
The smoothie and juice bar first officially opened its doors to the Star City back in June of 2023, and it’s been booming with success ever since. In fact, just last month it was featured in the Southern Living magazine as one of the best places to eat in Roanoke. When I stopped by, I could certainly see why. As soon as I walked in, I was immediately immersed in the smell of mouth-watering baked banana bread bowls and delicious fresh-cut fruit and greeted with a warm smile from owner Christy Dilcher. The cute little shop was vibrant and buzzing with life - the perfect way to start my day on the right foot.
“We just want it to be a welcoming place where people can come in, bring their laptops, get a bowl, smoothie or juice and just do their work,” said Christy. “You know, sit in our window nooks and read a book.”
[RELATED: Know of a tasty spot in our area that you wanna see featured on WSLS 10? Nominate them here]
The business started from humble beginnings and a seed of an idea, with Christy and her husband often selling her fruit and veggie juices at the Roanoke Farmer’s Market each weekend. It kept them busy, but when Christy saw how much the area enjoyed her products, she decided to branch out. After taking inspiration from her sister, who had taken on a plant-based diet and opened up a health and wellness spot in Pennsylvania, Christy and her husband decided to open up a shop of their own on Campbell Avenue SE.
“That’s when I actually started doing some research and watching documentaries and you know, just the more educated that I became about how the food that we eat impacts our health, the more I just wanted to share that and bring that to our community,” she said.
The Roanoke Valley didn’t waste time showing its support.
“It means everything. For us and I think for every small business, we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the support that our community has given us so far. We need their support to be successful, so without them coming out and showing up, we wouldn’t have a business.”
From refreshing acai bowls to superfood smoothies to yummy granola, the shop truly has it all. But there’s one thing that makes its products stand out from the rest: it’s all plant-based and organic.
“It’s raw juice. It’s organic produce - not pasteurized. I mean, the juices that you can buy in the store, they’re all pasteurized, which can kill some of the good things in them, and there are no live enzymes ... we don’t add any water, ice or artificial sweeteners to our juices and our smoothies and bowls. And we also add superfoods to it, so it gives your body a lot more nutrients.”
Whether it’s cutting produce, juicing, baking or even making granola, Christy said there is no day off as a business owner, but in the end, seeing the smiles of those who come in makes it all worth it.
“I think healthy people are happy people and just being able to offer them healthy options that are delicious and they can feel good about, I really enjoy that part of it,” she explained.
And for those embarking on a new health and wellness journey, Christy wants you to remember that it’s never too late to start.
Fruits and Roots is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
