Michelin-recognized teams collab on LoSo restaurant rooted in culture, community

Two Michelin-recognized teams are coming together on a new Charlotte restaurant that longtime friends are naming after their first-born daughters.

Chefs Andres Kaifer and Michael Beltran are pairing up to open Roe & Olivia’s in late 2026. Kaifer is co-owner of Michelin-recognized Customshop and Emmy Lou’s in Charlotte, and Beltran owns Michelin-starred Ariete and Michelin Bib Gourmand Chug’s Diner in Miami.

Roe & Olivia’s will take over the former Giovanna space in Lower South End near Yama LoSo and SupperClub South End, serving contemporary American food that incorporates the chefs’ shared Cuban and Spanish heritage.

The menu isn’t yet set, but diners can expect seasonal ingredients and elevated dishes such as Empanada Gallega and Lamb Neck Rotolo.

The 3,644 -square-foot space will have room for 120 diners, including patio seating, and a beverage program that incorporates classic cocktails and approachable wines.

“We always talked about the idea and the possibility of doing something together, and the situation finally presented itself where it made sense — and we’re jumping on that,” Kaifer told CharlotteFive.

It’s not the first time the chefs who both grew up in Miami have teamed up professionally. A year ago, Customshop — a leading hotspot for collaborative dinners in Charlotte — teamed up with Ariete for a one-night, six-course dinner featuring both chefs.

In fact, they know each other so well that Kaifer had his wedding at Ariete. And, coincidentally, their daughters, Roe and Olivia, were born about six hours apart. (Kaifer’s wife, Cristina, gave birth to their daughter, Olivia, the morning after her due date, and Beltran’s wife, Rachel, gave birth to Roe seven days late.)

The duo also share a similar ideology on food — and what a restaurant should feel like.

“We want people to feel like they’re stepping into an extension of our homes and not necessarily another generic-looking restaurant,” Kaifer said.

Kaifer and Beltran, a 2026 James Beard semifinalist, want Roe and Olivia’s to serve as a comfortable neighborhood gathering spot, whether it’s a quick stop for snacks and cocktails or a longer dinner gathering with friends and family.

“The menu will change pretty often with seasonality and locality of what’s happening, and through the creativity that whatever we see fit,” Beltran told CharlotteFive. “Very delicious and well executed food is really the name of the game.”

After years of talking about teaming up on a restaurant, Kaifer is also excited that Charlotte will get to experience what Beltran brings to the table, with “not just his food, but also the culture that comes with it.”

“The goal is to become a part of that community, and hopefully bring a restaurant that can be a pillar of that neighborhood for years to come, Kaifer said.

Location: 3531 Dewitt Ln, Charlotte, NC 28217

Cuisine: Contemporary American with Cuban, Spanish influences

Instagram: @roeandolivias

This story was originally published August 19, 2026 at 6:00 AM.