A little over a month ago, we lamented the closing of the famous and wonderful Carman’s Country Kitchen. Carmen’s decision to close her doors after twenty-three years represented the end of an era, and left long-time regulars scurrying for a new brunch place to call their own.
At the time, we noted that owner John Angelis was actively marketing the space at 11th & Wharton for sale, asking for $1,500/mo. Despite the high rent number relative to the tiny space, we didn’t doubt that someone would sign a lease relatively quickly- and that’s exactly what appears to have happened.
Brown paper currently covers the lower portions of the windows, but we were able to sneak a peek inside and see that the space has been completely gutted. New subfloors are currently being installed, and all of the old furniture and equipment is seemingly gone forever. On the front door to the space, a note with a phone number encourages anyone interested to call for information. So we did.
We learned nothing specific, but the individual that we spoke with (who we would assume to be Mr. Angelis) told us that the space has been leased, and the the tenant intends to open a restaurant. Any other details, we said, we’d have to speak with the tenant, who he would not identify.
Has anyone in the neighborhood heard any rumors about the identity of the new tenant for this space? Any ideas about the cuisine? Any thoughts about just how many seats can be crammed into this space?