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It’s not every day you come across a pop-up food business that can offer classic Southern, Korean, Italian, Vietnamese, and Indian dishes—all infused with a distinctive Indigenous twist. Chef Jordan Rainbolt brings this vision to life with her pop-up venture, Native Root.
Discover the story behind Native Root, the pop-up everyone’s raving about.
March 17, 2025
The Backstory
Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Jordan’s culinary journey has led her as far as South Korea. She eventually made her way to the Tar Heel State, where she played a key role in launching North Italia in Charlotte in 2019.
Jordan began dreaming about launching her own business during her time at North Italia. In 2021, she followed that dream and moved to Winston-Salem to start Native Root.
- Fun Fact: Her first pop-up event in Winston-Salem was at Fair Witness!
What is Native Root?
Native Root is a pop-up food business that has appeared at many familiar spots in Winston-Salem, including West Salem Public House and Lesser Known Beer Company.
Through Native Root, Jordan incorporates her Indigenous heritage into her meals.
- “My mom has Cherokee roots,” Jordan said, “so I wanted to pay homage to our heritage. I wanted to pull in Indigenous roots, ingredients, methods, and [their] mindset of minimal waste into what this region [has become] and modernize that.”
Jordan creates unique food fusions such as duck fat cannolis (duck thigh, butternut ricotta, wilted kale & kale stem pesto) and sweet tea tonkotsu (ramen, crispy pork belly, cured duck egg, bok choy, shiitake).
- Our Thoughts: Team member Jacob tried the Carolina Kati Roll from last week’s pop-up; he said it was easily one of the best meals he’s had this year.
Where You Can Find Native Root?
Pop-Up Events
- These occur at least once a month and are announced on Native Root’s Instagram. Locations vary, but you’ll see West Salem Public House and Lesser Known Beer Company consistently on the rotation.
Private Events
- You can book Native Root for your private event—Jordan and her team provide different menus and styles to fit the occasion.
Fireweed Dinners
- These special dinners seat guests at a long community table while Jordan prepares the meal over an open flame, like how many cultures would have cooked prior to the Industrial Revolution.
- Jordan uses Fireweed Dinners as an opportunity to teach her guests about the dishes she’s prepared for them—why she used certain ingredients and the history of the item.
- The first Fireweed Dinner of the season is Thursday, March 27, 2025!
Q&A With Jordan
*Answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.
What was one of your favorite foods you discovered in South Korea?
I had something called tteokbokki. It’s Korean rice cakes with a chewy mochi texture.
What are some of your favorite dishes you’ve made for Native Root?
One of my favorite dishes that I’ve done is duck cannoli. I also do this play on a bibimbap bowl using local, Indigenous ingredients.
Where do you see Native Root going in the future?
Recently, the goal has been a permanent space. Having a brick-and-mortar will present more growth [opportunities] and give us a chance to build a team & have this consistent menu that rotates based on the seasons.
