What are Root Cellar Family Dinners?
Root Cellar Family Dinners consist of four scratch-made meals (entrees and sides) that our chefs prepare fresh each week. You simply heat and eat!
What’s the cost?
Four entrees for 2 people is $120 and $240 for 4 people.
But I’m vegetarian. Can I still order?
Yes! Each week, our menu includes vegetarian options. The cost is $95for 2 people and $190 for 4 people.
Can I order the regular family dinners but swap out some of the meat options for vegetarian options?
Sorry, no. Because our family dinner program has become so popular, it’s difficult for us to personalize meals in this way. So choosing the regular family dinners will get you a week’s worth of meals with meat and choosing the vegetarian dinners will get you a week’s worth of meatless meals.
What kind of ingredients do you use?
Glad you asked! Our meals use grass-fed, antibiotic-free beef, chicken and pork and sustainable fish as much as possible. Our vegetables are also sourced from NC farmers as much as possible.
Is there added salt?
We do cook with table salt but not in excessive or abnormal quantities. Generally, we use herbs and spices for seasoning.
Can you give me some examples of the meals you serve?
Our menus change weekly and include a variety of entrees and sides Examples include pork chops with baked sweet potatoes and snap peas; blackened shrimp tacos with cilantro cabbage slaw; lasagna and mixed green salad; and mushroom Swiss burgers with old-fashioned potato salad. We post our monthly menus online here so you can easily pick and choose the weeks you’re interested in ordering.
These sound great, but I’m not sure my kids would eat them. What options do you have for children?
We offer kid entrees, which can be added for $20 each. Example entrée choices can include: chicken fingers, mac & cheese, chicken quesadillas, spaghetti and meatballs, and mini pepperoni pizza bagels.
I’m also allergic to certain foods/ingredients. Can I still order?
We do our best to accommodate your needs. Please email us first (catering@rootcellarchapelhill.com) to discuss your allergies so that we can consult with our chefs.
Dietary restrictions that we can accommodate include: no pork, no beef, no seafood, no shellfish, alpha gal.
Dietary restrictions that we cannot accommodate: sauces on the side, leaving out certain ingredients (onion, garlic), no cheese/dairy or gluten free (check out our Paleo meals!). Since we cook in bulk, it is hard for us to accommodate these requests. If you would like us to label any of the meals containing these ingredients, we would be happy to do so.
How are the meals packaged?
The meals come pre-packaged in disposable baking pans, so that you can conveniently heat them in your oven at home. Simply remove the plastic lid and replace with aluminum foil.
Are there instructions for how long to heat each dish?
Yes. Heating instructions are provided for each dish. Times are given in estimates because oven temperatures may vary. So, you may need to heat your meals longer than the suggested times.
How long will the food last?
The meals stay fresh for one week in a standard refrigerator and up to 3 months if frozen. If you choose to freeze, we suggest placing the packaged meals in a gallon Ziploc bag to help preserve freshness.
So, how do I order?
Order online here. We will respond within 24 hours to confirm your order. We prefer online ordering, but you can also call us if needed to place your order at catering@rootcellarchapelhill.com. If you would like to pay with a Gift Card, please email catering@rootcellarchapelhill.com to place your order.
Is there a deadline for ordering?
Yes. All Family meal orders must be received by 8am on Saturdays.
When do I pick up the meals?
Pick up days are always Monday and the window is 4pm-6pm. A confirmation email and pick up reminder email are sent each week.
Where do I pick up the meals?
Pickup is available at our restaurant in Chapel Hill (750 MLK Blvd.) or at our location in Pittsboro (35 Suttles Road). When you order, you will be prompted to select your pickup location. Just choose the location that is most convenient to you!
Do you offer delivery?
Yes! Just select the delivery option when ordering and we will deliver during your selected time slot. If you will not be there to receive the delivery, we ask you to leave out a cooler so that the food can remain a safe temperature. Delivery is $10 and we are currently delivering to the following zip codes: 27514, 27510, 27517, 27516.
Do I need to leave my credit card information?
Ordering from our online system and paying with a credit care are the most secure and efficient options for our meal services. However, we are willing to accept cash or a credit card at pickup if you prefer. If you select this option, you will need to email us at catering@rootcellarchapelhill.com to place your order.
What if I forget to order? Can you still add me to the list?
Unfortunately, we maintain strict cut-off times for ordering because we must also order a set amount of ingredients for each dish in advance. However, we can place you on an “extras” list in case we have an extra dinner meal for a given week. You must call or email us to ask to be placed on this list. Extras are sold to those on a first come, first serve basis.
Can I be added to an ongoing list and get the dinners every week?
Yes! We’re happy to put you on a weekly list and are thrilled that you like the dinners so much. That said, please let us know in advance if you plan to be out of town/unavailable for a given week so that we can cancel your order for that week. Cancellations for orders MUST also be received by 5 p.m. on Fridays.
Can I pick up my meals at a different day/time?
No, because we make the meals fresh the day of pickup. However, if something comes up and you must be late for picking up your meal, let us know, and we will hold it for you.
I’m single, can I order for 1 person?
At this time, the regular family and paleo meals are only available in multiples of 2. However, we now offer an individually packaged micro meal plan, which serve 1 and are microwavable. Check out our micro meals plan here
How do I get on the mailing list to receive reminders and updates about the Family Dinners Program?
Join our Newsletter here and subscribe to receive the Family Dinner newsletter for the latest Family Dinners information and menus.