By early 2026, neighbors from Melrose Heights, Shandon, Forest Acres, and beyond will have a new place for coffee, lunch, or an evening drink — plus a market stocked with wine, fresh ingredients, and pantry staples for dinner at home — all just off Gervais Street. Melrose Market, a 5,000 sqft European café–inspired American brasserie and market, is coming to the Melrose Heights Retail Center, next door to New York Butcher Shoppe.
“Opening a café-style restaurant is something I’ve wanted to do for years, and I am excited to be able to do it in my own backyard,” says Chad Elsey, Melrose Market owner and managing partner. “We wanted to bring something to Melrose Heights that feels fresh and modern but is still connected to the neighborhood’s character.”
Elsey is no stranger to Columbia’s dining scene — he’s a former managing partner at Cantina 76 and a former partner at Za’s on Devine. He’s joined by longtime collaborator Jeb Babcock, also a former Cantina 76 partner and current managing partner at Za’s.
The restaurant will have indoor seating, a bar, a lounge area, and a patio. The adjoining market will carry handpicked pantry staples, wine, beer, and other goods tailored to the neighborhood’s needs.
A new pedestrian walkway and staircase will link Kirby Street to the rear of the retail center along the patio side, giving neighbors and parkgoers a straight path into the restaurant from the Melrose Park side.
Melrose Market is currently looking for an executive chef to build a menu around seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The project is part of a larger renovation of the retail center by owners George Kornegay and Walker Barber, with design by Studio 2LR and construction by Boyer Construction. Salons by JC will open next door, and one retail space is still available.
