The space formerly occupied by Elmo’s Diner in Carrboro will soon have a new restaurant.
The Italian-themed eatery Grata Cafe is moving into Carr Mill Mall, according to its website. The restaurant plans to serve “Italian classics and inspired dishes cooked from scratch with love and consistency.”
“Sunday supper is sacred in my home and will become a new Carrboro “must do” experience,” reads a message from owner Jay Radford. “Community, diversity, inclusivity, kindness, and gratitude are the cornerstones Grata is built on.”
https://twitter.com/GrataCafe/status/1399480830750253057?s=20
According to its website, Grata Cafe will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily seven days a week.
In addition, the restaurant is currently hiring. A post on its website indicates Grata Cafe is seeking “motivated, kind, open-minded, accepting and diverse individuals” for long-term employment, not just summer-only employment.
“As I look back over the extraordinary events of the past year, I find myself steeped in a profound sense of gratitude,” reads the message from Radford. “Gratitude for the health of my family, the incredible community that Carrboro has been and continues to be, and for all the day dreams that are becoming a reality before our eyes. The totality of my life experiences to date have brought me to the beginning of a closely held dream of owning an Italian-themed eatery.”
The space in Carr Mill Mall was previously occupied by Elmo’s Diner since 1991, but the restaurant elected to close in September 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
No opening date has been announced, but Grata Cafe is providing updates to customers on Twitter and Instagram.
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.
Related Stories
‹
Carrburritos Announces Move to Former Elmo's Diner Location in Carr Mill MallCarrburritos, a popular Carrboro burrito restaurant, will take over the space previously occupied by Grata Diner and Elmo's Diner.
‘Mind Your Business’: Local Openings, Closings and Updates in January-March 2026The start of 2026 featured some early closures, openings and plenty of returns to business in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and beyond.
Grata Diner In Carrboro Closes, Shifts Focus To Nonprofit WorkGrata Diner, a Carrboro restaurant featuring breakfast fare, closed on Sunday, Jan. 4. Now the owner will focus on his nonprofit.
‘Mind Your Business’: Local Openings, Closings and Updates in July-September 2025From major flood damage and closures, to reopenings and new business announcements, here are local highlights from July to September 2025.
New Pizza Restaurant Opens in Carrboro; Sports Bar Holds Grand Opening in Chapel HillA pair of restaurants debuted in Chapel Hill and Carrboro over the weekend. Autostrada Pizza & Panini welcomed its first customers on Friday at Carr Mill Mall. The restaurant, modeled after an auto grill one would find along an Italian highway, is in the mall space previously occupied by Pizza Factory. The menu features a […]
Carrboro Businesses Pledge Donation Days to Support The ArtsCenter for Its 50th AnniversaryThe ArtsCenter announced a lineup of businesses participating in "Artstober" to help raise money for and spread awareness of its operations.
Golden Fig Books Opens Carrboro Location in Carr Mill MallA bookstore based in Durham has officially opened its doors of a new location in downtown Carrboro. Golden Fig Books celebrated its grand opening in Carr Mill Mall on Friday, November 18, expanding to a second store. The business, which is independently owned by David Bradley, moved into the mall space previously filled by Townsend […]
Carrboro Pizza Oven Closing After Search for New OwnersThe owner of Carrboro Pizza Oven, located in Carr Mill Mall, recently announced he is looking to sell the business.
Bill Fairbanks, Founder of Carrburritos, Passes Away at 68Bill Fairbanks, who founded Carrburritos in 1997 with his wife Gail, died Sunday at the age of 68 after a long battle with lung disease.
Grata Cafe Moves Into Carrboro Space, Former Home of Elmo's DinerThe space formerly occupied by Elmo’s Diner in Carrboro will soon have a new restaurant. The Italian-themed eatery Grata Cafe is moving into Carr Mill Mall, according to its website. The restaurant plans to serve “Italian classics and inspired dishes cooked from scratch with love and consistency.” “Sunday supper is sacred in my home and […]
›
