Inspired by traditional home cooking and focused on the kind of inspiration that only seasonal dishes and daily cravings can provide, the soon-to-be-open Mel’s Commissary and Luncheonette promises to be a worthy addition to Carrboro’s already prestigious restaurant offerings.

The restaurant is the next project of the local power couple behind the locally famous and award-winning Al’s Burger Shack, Melody and Al Bowers. Mel’s will open its doors and start serving up seasonal Southern comfort food in March, on West Main Street in Downtown Carrboro.

“In many ways, Mel’s is a tribute to Mama and all the female Southern cooks whose stoves I learned from,” said Melody Bowers in a release discussing the upcoming restaurant. “Our soups, salads and entrees will focus on traditional flavors with some cool twists. The commissary side of the business will serve an overdue need in Al and I’s catering and shack business, but Mel’s Luncheonette will be a labor of love.”

Al and Melody Bowers operate AlMel’s Catering, as well as the storied Al’s Burger Shack, and Mel’s will serve triple duty as a commissary kitchen for Al’s (both the Burger Shack and the Burger Truck), extra space for the catering company and a place for Mel to serve up an ever-changing menu based on what she feels like preparing that particular day. Diners can expect favorite items from the catering menu, such as deviled eggs, Pork Green Chili and Avocado Salad alongside seasonal and specialty items from the mind and heart of Mel herself.

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