Our Story
Welcome to The Rooted Table
where love, tradition, and delicious food come together around one very special table.
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Our story is a journey through generations, built on faith, family, and a whole lot of cheesecake. It all began with a cherished recipe from Jennifer’s Mother, Barbara — a legendary cheesecake that’s been delighting taste buds for over 45 years. What started as a single dessert blossomed into something so much more — a thriving, joy-filled business that’s captured hearts (and appetites!) far and wide.
Together with her husband, Kane, Jennifer opened their first restaurant, The Cheesecake Cutie, on the sun-soaked shores of Anna Maria Island, Florida. What began as a humble cheesecake shop quickly became a must-visit café thanks to the love and excitement from locals and visitors alike. People wanted more — so we gave them more! Coffee, sandwiches, breakfast, and of course, even more cheesecake flavors.
We opened the store during the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the normal 3 year new business track we were heading in the right direction - and later, came Hurricanes Helene & Milton. While our café stood strong, the challenges that followed were real. The visitors slowed, the days got harder, and we found ourselves carrying more than just trays of food — we were carrying the weight of big changes to the island tourism. And with that, came a new chapter.
A chance conversation led us to a small town we’d never even heard of — Fort Payne, Alabama. Two Florida-raised souls, unsure of what small-town life would bring, took another leap of faith. With two teenagers in tow (who weren’t exactly thrilled to be moving AGAIN!), we visited. And we all fell in love — with the town, the people, and the warmth we felt from the moment we arrived.
Not long after, we knew it was the next chapter in our book.
Today, we’re embracing a slower pace, a deeper purpose, and a chance to build something meaningful — a space where everyone is welcome and love is always on the menu.
At the heart of our café is a very special table — the same dining table that’s been in Jennifer’s family for over 60 years. It has seen four generations gather around it — and then adding Kane’s family. It has held Sunday dinners, birthday cakes, long talks, belly laughs, life changing decisions, hard discussions and even a few tears. It's more than furniture — it's a legacy of love, connection, and togetherness.
Now, it’s here — in the middle of our space — ready to welcome you and your family.
So come join us at The Rooted Table. Pull up a chair. Share a story. Make a memory.
We're so grateful to have you here — welcome home.
With love and much gratitude,
Jennifer, Kane, Atlas & Italia
Our Promise
At The Rooted Table, our mission is to create a gathering place where faith, family, coffee and food come together in love and community. Rooted in tradition and nourished by a cherished family recipe, we strive to serve more than just meals — we serve connection, belonging, and joy.
From our family’s table to yours, we are dedicated to offering delicious, handcrafted food that carries the warmth of generations, while fostering an environment where stories are shared, memories are made, a place for everyone to feel comfortable, and to feel at home.
What's the Vision?
Our vision is to be a beacon of faith, love, and hospitality —
a place where every person feels welcomed, nourished, and connected. We aspire to create more than a café; we strive to inspire community, strengthen families, and share God’s love one meal and one story at a time.
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Rooted in tradition yet growing toward the future, we dream of tables everywhere. Where people gather, hearts are lifted, and faith is lived out in everyday moments.
