Melrose Market hires chef Josh Rogerson in Columbia

Melrose Market, a Columbia restaurant opening soon, has assembled the team that owners say will deliver an American brasserie in the Melrose Heights neighborhood.

Chef Josh Rogerson has joined the organization as its executive chef. He will be joined by Sous Chef Alex Runyan and General Manager Kaitlin Broom McCrackin, forming the opening leadership team that will shape both the culinary program and guest experience.

Born in Columbia and raised in central and northern Italy, Rogerson says he developed an early appreciation for food, hospitality and the role meals play in bringing people together. After returning to the United States, he began building his career in Columbia’s restaurant scene, ultimately joining Saluda’s in 2014. By 2016, he had been named executive chef, a role he held for five years.

Following his time at Saluda’s, Rogerson co-founded Parabellum Mobile Eats with Alex Runyan, where he leaned into a style that balances “a fine-dining technique with food that’s just plain good,” according to a news release. At Melrose Market, that approach carries over in a menu of approachable classics with fresh ingredients designed for everyday dining.

“I’m really excited about this concept and the freedom it gives our team to be creative,” Rogerson said in the release. “Growing up in Italy, I’ve always gravitated toward continental influences, and this is a great opportunity to bring that perspective into a menu that still feels approachable and fun.”

Runyan is a longtime collaborator and trusted partner with more than two decades of experience in hospitality.

After beginning his career in Savannah, he went on to work in Columbia at restaurants including Saluda’s and Eggs Up Grill, where Runyan says he developed a strong foundation in both operations and kitchen execution. His longstanding partnership with Rogerson brings a natural rhythm to the kitchen — one built on shared standards, trust and a collaborative approach to execution, the release said.

Leading front-of-house operations, McCrackin is a seasoned hospitality professional with deep roots in Columbia’s restaurant scene. With more than a decade of experience at Cantina 76, she brings a strong background in team leadership, service standards, and day-to-day operations. Her career also includes roles at well-known local establishments such as Pearlz Oyster Bar, Cola’s Restaurant, Gervais & Vine, and Liberty on the Lake.

Raised in a family deeply connected to the service industry, McCrackin developed an early appreciation for hospitality and a hands-on approach to leadership, she says. She is charged with shaping Melrose Market’s culture and energy from day one.

“The opportunity to help build something from the ground up — especially alongside this team — was something I couldn’t pass up,” McCrackin said in the release. “There’s a clear vision behind Melrose Market, and it already feels like we’re creating something really special. I’m especially excited to build our wine program and introduce guests to a more thoughtful, approachable way of experiencing it.”

Early look
Before opening, Melrose Market will offer a preview of its culinary direction at the Columbia Food & Wine Festival‘s Grand Tasting on April 26. The event will give guests an early taste of what’s to come, with Chef Rogerson and his team serving a lobster and avocado salad featuring Maine lobster, fresh avocado, shaved red onion, tomato, citrus vinaigrette, and a Tajin dusting.