Press & Media
Mitchell Coles
In the Press
Featured coverage, interviews, and media appearances highlighting the work of Mitchell Coles across real estate investment, hospitality, and community development in Charlotte, Raleigh, and beyond.
Featured Coverage
··Local StoriesExploring Life & Business with Mitchell Coles of Monarca Food Group
VoyageRaleigh Magazine sat down with Mitchell Coles to discuss his non-linear path from finance and law into hospitality and real estate, the founding of Monarca Food Group and Arbol Eatery, his investment philosophy, and his expansion into the Raleigh market.
Read the Full StoryKey Highlights from the Interview
On His Journey
“My path hasn't been linear, but it's been intentional. I've always been drawn to building environments where people feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to grow.”
On Monarca Food Group
“Arbol Eatery grew out of that philosophy. It wasn't designed simply as a restaurant, but as a gathering place — a space where food, culture, wellness, and conversation naturally come together.”
On Real Estate & Community
“Real estate is approached as a long-term tool for stability and opportunity, while community efforts focus on education, access, and creating platforms where people can grow together.”
On Leadership
“Leadership is less about visibility and more about consistency: showing up, making disciplined decisions, and creating structures that allow others to thrive.”
Interview Excerpts
In His Own Words
Can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My path hasn't been linear, but it's been intentional. I've always been drawn to building environments where people feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to grow — whether that's through food, real estate, or community spaces. I began my career working across finance, law, and operations, which gave me a strong foundation in how systems work behind the scenes. But what consistently pulled me forward was the human side of business — how places are experienced, how teams are built, and how communities form around shared values. That intersection eventually led me into hospitality and real estate, not as separate pursuits, but as complementary tools for creating stability, opportunity, and connection.
Has it been a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn't been a smooth road, and I don't think meaningful work ever is. The biggest challenges I've faced weren't just financial or operational — they were moments that tested my judgment, patience, and ability to lead through uncertainty. Building businesses in hospitality and real estate means operating in environments where margins are tight, variables are constant, and people depend on you to make the right decisions even when information is incomplete. Those experiences didn't just make the businesses stronger — they made the vision clearer and more durable.
What else should our readers know about Monarca Food Group?
Monarca Food Group is a hospitality and community-focused company built around the idea that well-designed spaces can bring people together in meaningful ways. The group is best known for Arbol Eatery, a concept rooted in culture, wellness, and connection — where food serves as a starting point for conversation, collaboration, and community. What I'm most proud of, brand-wise, is the consistency. Whether someone encounters our work through a meal, a space, or a collaboration, the experience reflects the same values — integrity, intention, and care.
Is there something that might surprise us?
One thing that often surprises people is how much of my work is shaped by discipline and structure rather than spontaneity. I spend a significant amount of time thinking about systems, process, and sustainability — how teams are supported, how decisions compound over time, and how spaces function day after day. Another surprise for some is that I'm naturally reflective and reserved. For me, leadership isn't about being the loudest voice in the room — it's about creating clarity, stability, and trust so that the collective can move forward with confidence.
Photography
From the Feature
Press Release Coverage
Arbol Eatery, Internations & Mitch Coles Real Estate Unite to Aid Hurricane Victims in Western NC
In October 2024, Mitchell Coles mobilized Arbol Eatery, InterNations, and Mitch Coles Real Estate crews on a fully volunteer basis to collect donations and deliver food, clothing, and essential supplies directly to hurricane-affected communities in Western North Carolina — an effort that opened the door to the Morganton and Western North Carolina real estate market.
Read the Full ReleaseThe Story Behind the Story
The Initiative
Arbol Eatery hosted an all-day donation drive on October 5, 2024 — offering 30% off orders to donors. Gus the Butcher personally transported collected food donations to Asheville the following day, providing free meals to displaced residents.
The Quote
“Food is a unifier, and at Arbol Eatery, we believe in using food to bring communities together, especially in times of crisis.”
— Mitch Coles, Owner of Arbol Eatery
The Rebuild Commitment
MCRE mobilized contractors, subcontractors, and volunteers to head to Western NC to contribute hands-on rebuilding expertise — actively seeking anyone in the real estate world to help restore homes lost to the storm.
The Lasting Impact
This volunteer-driven effort became the foundation for MCRE's entry into the Morganton and Western North Carolina real estate market — proving that genuine community service creates lasting opportunity.
Community Leadership
Friends of Fourth Ward & Arbol Eatery Unite for a Community-Focused Gathering in Uptown Charlotte
Mitchell Coles hosted the annual Friends of Fourth Ward community gathering at Arbol Eatery in Uptown Charlotte — bringing together city officials, Charlotte City Center Partners, community organizations, business leaders, and residents to share presentations, address concerns, and strengthen the civic fabric of Fourth Ward.
The Mission
A space for the community to be heard, seen, and understood — with Charlotte City Center Partners delivering presentations alongside city officials, elected leaders, and neighborhood organizations.
Mitchell's Role
As host and community leader, Mitchell Coles organized and facilitated the event on behalf of the community and the City of Charlotte — a reflection of his ongoing commitment to civic engagement in Uptown.
The Venue
Arbol Eatery, Uptown Charlotte — a gathering place where food, culture, and community naturally converge, and the ideal backdrop for civic dialogue.
Community Leadership
Friends of Fourth Ward March Community Meeting & St. Patrick's Day Celebration
For the second consecutive year, Mitchell Coles hosted the Friends of Fourth Ward annual gathering — this time as a St. Patrick's Day celebration at Arbol Eatery. The evening brought together community leaders, CMPD, Charlotte City Center Partners, City of Charlotte officials, the Mayor, politicians, business owners, and large company executives in a space designed for connection, civic dialogue, and celebration.
Leadership Transitions
The evening honored outgoing FOFW President Lee Ann Roughton and welcomed new President Sebastian Williams — a meaningful moment of community continuity and shared leadership.
City Recognition
Friends of Fourth Ward received the Trailblazer Award from the City of Charlotte — recognized for their leadership and lasting impact on the community.
The Experience
All Day Soiree transformed Arbol Eatery with gold & green décor and balloon installations. Chef Cristina curated a chef-inspired menu of signature bites, chocoflan, mousse, and artisanal charcuterie. Charlotte Center City Partners spotlighted the growth of Fourth Ward's small business ecosystem.
The Quote
“This is what building community looks like — in food, fellowship, and vision. Together, we rise.”
— Mitchell Coles
Watch the Event
Watch on Instagram
Friends of Fourth Ward St. Patrick's Day Reel
Watch on LinkedIn
Mitchell Coles · Community Leadership Post
Who Was There
City of Charlotte Officials
CMPD & Chaplain Division
Charlotte Center City Partners
Mayor & Elected Officials
Fourth Ward Small Businesses
Community Leaders & Residents
Trailblazer Award — City of Charlotte
Friends of Fourth Ward received the City of Charlotte's Trailblazer Award at this event, recognizing their leadership and community impact in Historic Fourth Ward.
From the Event
Investor Network
Active on Bigger Pockets
Mitchell Coles maintains an active presence on Bigger Pockets, the largest real estate investor community in the world — sharing insights, connecting with investors, and offering hard money lending and asset-based capital through the Mitch Coles Real Estate lender page.
Mitchell Coles — Investor Profile
Follow Mitchell's investor journey on Bigger Pockets — from deal analysis and market insights to real estate investment strategy discussions. Connect directly with one of Charlotte's active real estate investors and learn from hands-on experience across acquisitions, fix-and-flip, rentals, and private lending.
Mitch Coles Real Estate — Lender Page
Mitch Coles Real Estate is a designated lender on Bigger Pockets, offering hard money loans and asset-based lending for real estate investors. Whether you need capital for a fix-and-flip, rental acquisition, or new construction project, explore how MCRE structures private capital around the deal — not a one-size-fits-all product.
Why Bigger Pockets Matters
Bigger Pockets is the world's largest real estate investor community with over 2 million members. Being active on the platform means direct access to serious investors, deal flow, and lending opportunities — and it signals to Google that Mitch Coles Real Estate is a recognized player in the real estate investment ecosystem, strengthening search authority and Knowledge Panel visibility.
Media & Press Inquiries
Interested in Featuring Mitchell?
For interview requests, speaking engagements, podcast appearances, or media inquiries related to real estate investment, hospitality, or community development — reach out directly.