New owners emphasize natural, local at Komodo in Rogers

by Robin Mero ([email protected]) 1,313 views 

A California couple partnered with two local investors to offer modern Asian cuisine in an upscale environment at Komodo in the Village on the Creeks development in Rogers.

Reid and Michelle Combellack, Larry Davis and Jim Burrow invested more than $500,000 to renovate the former location of Mellow Mushroom at 5204 W. Village Parkway.

Legacy National Bank of Springdale provided financing, and Alan Cole and Pat Morrison of Colliers International in Rogers facilitated the lease on Nov. 29, 2017.

The restaurant launched in the summer of 2018 and is open seven days per week.

Reid Combellack formerly managed at several restaurant groups, including Bentonville-based Ropeswing, before undertaking his own venture. He brought in Chef Ryan Brown, with whom he previously worked at The Slanted Door in San Francisco.

Komodo’s 5,700-square-feet space was designed by Dave Burris at Burris Architecture in Bentonville with interior design by Sarah Pennington of SP Interiors in Fayetteville.

American Estates of Lowell built accent walls, dining tables, a custom walnut table in the private dining room and the chef’s bar.

The space features natural, earthy colors with an emphasis on privacy.

Accent walls and screens were created using handcrafted wood, copper, rope and steel. Sliding glass doors allow the separation of spaces and the restaurant can accommodate private events for up to 60 diners.

Sauces are made in-house, and stock for soups is prepared from scratch. There are 15 taps, primarily for local beer and cider. One business partner is a beekeeper and provides the honey used to make syrup to sweeten cocktails. Joyhouse Coffee Co. provides coffee beans.

Jason Pledger of Forever Design in Bentonville crafted a fountain that anchors the outdoor patio, which accommodates up to 100.

Komodo also offers cooking classes featuring four-course meals and wine pairings.