Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. has been happily supporting local food spots since 2020 by spotlighting a new one each month. As a family business itself, the estate planning and elder law firm loves spotlighting other family businesses, like Middleboro's HomeRootts Bistro where the Trotts and their friends are putting "community" back into the term "business community."
Last spring, our readers voted them in as Best New Restaurant and Best Appetizers. But we’re going to spotlight them here because everything about this place has the makings of a Hallmark Christmas movie and…’tis the season.
Just under a year ago, Andy and Ellen Trott opened HomeRootts Bistro (with a double t for the double t in their name) right next to Harper Lane Brewery, owned by his childhood buddy Mike Pasalacqua. In fact, there is no wall separating the businesses. To be at HomeRootts Bistro is to be at Harper Lane Brewery and vice versa. There they are: two kids all grown up and making it in their own hometown.
Andy calls it a dream come true. “It’s been amazing so far. The community has been great. We’ve gotten close with other local businesses as well. Coffee Milano reached out to all the local businesses when they went viral when they offered free coffee to customers who danced.” The café’s owner encouraged other small businesses to get in on the fun and they’ve been offering discounts for dancing.
Another childhood friend is married to Kelly Tottman, owner of yet another Middleboro business, Knotty Totty’s Wood Flower Florist. “Our whole restaurant is adorned by her wooden flowers,” says Andy. They recently hosted one of Kelly's workshops at the bistro and brewery.
Andy and Ellen balance their new business with raising their kids who are both in Middleboro’s schools. His ten-year old daughter, always asking how she can help, may be a future restaurant entrepreneur herself. When friends come in, she is beaming from ear to ear. His seven-year old son plays on the little league team that HomeRootts sponsors.
Andy says, “We’ve really stayed true to our name. It’s my hometown, where our roots are. We’re part of the community, the school system. My wife and I are working our butts off….with people who have come together to help.”
It’s a real feel-good story with a heavy side of deliciousness. Fig, prosciutto and goat cheese flatbread…cubano sandwiches…street corn shrimp tacos…maple bacon brussels, this is not your typical brewery food. Whenever Andy sees an opening to infuse his buddy’s Harper Lane brews into his menus, he takes it (think beer-brined chicken wings, beer-infused mustard for the homemade pretzel bites). We're just going to give you a peek:
Recently, Andy and Ellen bundled up the kids and their extended family, adorned their truck with a giant Santa hat and joined Middleboro’s Christmas parade. Mike and Bridget Pasalaqua were right behind them in the parade. It doesn’t get more Hallmark Christmas movie than that.
HomeRootts Bistro, 16 Wareham Street, Middleboro
Photography at the restaurant by Liam Connor Photography.
Parade photography courtesy of HomeRootts Bistro.
Last post in the series: It’s a sight to behold, just screaming for a photo before you dig in. At Fruta Loca, the mangonada is one of the stars of the menu. It’s decadent but also light and feels kind of healthy with generous chunks of mango. Learn more right here.