Real and Rosemary preparing to open

Lights, benches and barstools are being installed inside the green and white building that owner Jennifer Mims is hoping will be synonymous with "clean, real food."

Real and Rosemary, located at 1922 29th Ave. S., is set to open by early March.

The lunch and dinner restaurant has been planned by Mims and business partner Nate Carlson since May 2015. Real and Rosemary, from its patio benches to the wood, fabric and marble used in the interior seating, is built around a sense of comfort and a slightly patchwork style.

“It’s such a beautiful building with all the brick in it. I want it to feel like it’s been lived in,” Mims said. “I hope customers feel welcome when they come.”

Some of the unique design elements include a painted sprig of rosemary on one of the exterior walls, a marble dining bar near the entrance and a “living wall” of plants on the patio.

The dishes at Real and Rosemary are designed to be both tasty and filling, while made of ingredients she’d be happy to feed to her children. Real and Rosemary will serve fast casual dishes based around vegetables and lean protein, as well as soups, salads and sandwiches. There will be beer and wine all day, as well as a cocktail bar that opens at 4 p.m.

Mims said customers can dine-in or get catering or to-go orders. Along with regular parking in front and behind the building, Mims said there will be spots specifically for to-go order pickup. 

“I’m trying to keep things really simple,” Mims said of the restaurant concept.