Carmelo’s is Temporarily Closing (Again) With Plans for a Late Spring Reopening
A press release states that Tuesday, January 22 was the last night of service for Carmelo’s Cucina Italiana until probably late in the spring. (The restaurant is closing after lunch on January 23.) Owner Benjamin Berg and executive chef and partner Daniel Berg (no coincidence with the last name; they are brothers) have decided to temporarily close the restaurant. The purpose is to do some full-fledged interior and exterior renovations.
“We ask that our supporters stay patient while we make several exciting design and menu improvements,” said Benjamin Berg via the press release. “Daniel and I promise to reopen with a new and improved concept that we are confident will be received well by the community.” Benjamin Berg founded Berg Hospitality Group, which also includes B&B Butchers & Restaurant with locations in Houston and Fort Worth as well as B.B. Lemon, which was mentioned in Houston Food Finder’s recent list of the “Best New Restaurants of 2018.”
Carmelo’s Cucina Italiana originally opened under the former owner, Carmelo Mauro, in 1981, so it’s understandable if the space needs some interior design updates. That said, it is currently not clear how extensive the “design and menu improvements” are going to be. Is the restaurant getting a new name? According to a representative, “As of now, there are no decisions on a new name.”
Carmelo’s Cucina Italiana opened under the Bergs almost exactly a year ago. While there was some minimal remodeling done beforehand that did not require a permit, the new changes do. These include “a complete interior and exterior décor renovation, plus adding a horseshoe-shaped bar and an outdoor patio.”
Will the classic Carmelo’s meatballs be retained for the new menu? We’ve been assured those are not going anywhere.
1/23/18, 9:23 a.m.: Updated to clarify restaurant closing date and time.
Phaedra Cook has written about Houston’s restaurant and bar scene since 2010. She was a regular contributor to My Table magazine (now closed) and was the lead restaurant critic for the Houston Press for two years, eventually being promoted to food editor. Cook founded Houston Food Finder in November 2016 and has been its editor and publisher ever since.
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