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.”

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.

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