Grata Diner, a Carrboro restaurant featuring breakfast fare, closed on Sunday, Jan. 4, according to a message from its owner. 

“It has been a privilege to be of service to all of you the past 4+ years,” the message from Jay Radford read. “I am closing knowing my team and I did our best everyday to feed you simple and delicious food in a beautiful space with kindness, patience, and gratitude.”

Grata Diner operated in the Carr Mill Mall space formerly occupied by Elmo’s Diner, which closed in 2020. The diner served Italian-inspired breakfast foods, hence the game “Grata,” which means “gratitude” in Italian. It also partnered with local groups, donating proceeds from specific dishes to TABLE, a nonprofit fighting food insecurity, and The ArtsCenter in Carrboro.

Radford cited the main reason behind closing the diner as his need to put increased energy into his other venture, his own nonprofit organization.

“I am closing the diner so I can shift my focus full time to my nonprofit, Grata Connects,” he said. “The work I have been doing in our community the last 2 years or so is too important to do part time anymore and I am excited about my new journey and the positive effect it will have in Orange County, and beyond.”

Grata Connections is a registered 501c3 non-profit. According to its website, the group’s goal is “enhancing the efficiency and impact of local non-profits and government agencies through compassionate guidance, proactive support, and an all-in-one data management system.”

“I also recommend signing up for the newsletter on the Connects website,” the release continued. “I have some big plans and they are going to be amazing.”

 

Image via Carr Mill Mall

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