Major changes are coming to a popular Memorial-area Italian restaurant. Berg Hospitality Group, the company behind two locations of B&B Butchers and recently-opened comfort food spot B.B. Lemon, announced that it will close Carmelo's Cucina Italiana after lunch service on Wednesday, January 23 for a comprehensive series of interior and exterior renovations.
Berg Hospitality owner Ben Berg purchased Carmelo's at the end of 2017 and recruited his brother, chef Daniel Berg, to move from New York to oversee the restaurant and update the menu, his plans always called for some changes to the interior. At the time, the intent had been either to keep the restaurant open or only be closed for a couple of weeks. Instead, the Berg brothers decided on a more comprehensive series of renovations that will shutter the restaurant for at least two months.
When the restaurant reopens in "late spring," it will feature a new look in and out, a U-shaped bar, and an outdoor patio. More details will be revealed in the coming weeks. A representative could not confirm or refute whether the changes would also include a new name for the almost 40-year old establishment. Still, Ben Berg expressed confidence that customers would appreciate the space's new look and feel.
"We ask that our supporters stay patient while we make several exciting design and menu improvements," Berg said in a statement. "Daniel and I promise to reopen with a new and improved concept that we are confident will be received well by the community.”
Whether Memorial-area diners want "exciting design and menu improvements" from a restaurant that's fed generations of diners remains to be seen, but it's hard to deny Berg's track record of success. If he's able to sprinkle a little B.B. magic on Carmelo's, the place could be around for another 40 years.
Chef Daniel and Ben Berg.
