Local restaurateur Benjamin Berg and his brother, partner and Executive Chef Daniel Berg are revealing more exciting new plans for their renovation of… Carmelo’s Cucina Italiana.
Since closing its doors in January 2019, Berg Hospitality Group dove fully into the renovation of the neighborhood staple to create a fresh, new environment for its diners to enjoy. The facade is undergoing a significant update to improve the restaurant’s curb appeal, and the interior will include a completely remodeled dining room, as well as new bathrooms, updated private event rooms, a large horseshoe-shaped bar and an outdoor patio for al fresco dining.
And the transformation isn’t limited to the physical space. The brothers also announced that the restaurant will reopen at the end of April as two new concepts: B.B. Italia Kitchen & Bar and B.B. Pizza.
“Carmelo’s was really a part of the community and had loyal, lifelong customers. We wanted to update it with a new name and look and feel, but continue that neighborhood restaurant tradition,” says Benjamin, a resident of the Energy Corridor area himself. “I grew up eating incredible Italian-American food in New York City, and I can’t wait to give the city I now call home a world-class Italian restaurant and continue the legacy of a family-owned-and-operated business of which I know Houstonians will be really proud.”
B.B. Italia Kitchen & Bar will offer a fresh take on classic, Italian-American food using only the best ingredients in a lively, approachable atmosphere. Within a month of opening, B.B. Italia will also launch an all-new weekend brunch menu along with a happy hour menu to be enjoyed in the bar area. Located inside the restaurant, B.B. Pizza will offer authentic, New York-style pizza, subs and calzones available to order for pickup or delivery.
“I am excited to refresh the menus and offer a lot more than we could in the former space,” says Executive Chef Daniel, who has several years of experience focused on Italian cooking, working under acclaimed chef and restaurateur Andrew Carmellini, and studying in Italy. “However, we will always strive to preserve and pay homage to what has made Carmelo’s so beloved over the years.”
B.B. Italia Kitchen & Bar and B.B. Pizza will be located at 14795 Memorial Drive. Stay tuned for more updates and please email eat@bbitaliakitchen.com or visit www.bbitaliakitchen.com for more information.
