Cafe Carolina commuting to new Village District digs
Save the crocodile—er, cappuccino tears. … Cafe Carolina and Bakery is remaining open for business—and staying in the Village District! The popular fast-casual spot is upgrading its digs with a move to the former so•ca location at the corner of Oberlin Road and Clark Avenue. And wait for it–uncorking more sips beyond its OG fuel, the sup spot will now be pouring beer and wine.
Slated for an August opening, the new outpost will at first remain much the same as the existing Cafe Carolina, explains co-owner Ron Hines, but will eventually offer extended hours complete with beer, wine, dinner and additional Sunday brunch features (think eggs Benedict, omelets and cooked-to-order items like pancakes).
“We’re looking forward to the new location,” says Hines. “It’s gonna be nice, gonna be a little more upscale for us. We can grow into a different type of cafe—something that we’ve always wanted to do.”
Hines expects that within six months of reopening, the cafe will debut its new “prototype.” Expect an expanded base menu of items like Reuben sammies, Philly cheesesteaks and caprese sandwiches—plus suppertime specials throughout the week.
As for the space itself, Hines says they will be upfitting it as is, removing all the stuff they won’t need and installing a “base package” of Cafe Carolina’s artwork, menu boards, computers and kitchen setup.
“It will feel, look, taste and act like Cafe Carolina with an upscale presence—because that is an upscale building,” he adds. “It’s gonna add a little bit of pizzazz to the cafe and make it a little bit fancier, and that’s why we’re gonna upscale the menu, look at plateware and all that stuff.”
Wondering what’s to become of the original Cafe Carolina space? (Which is expected to close in August, within just a few days of its reopening!). The hot tea we’ve heard is Postino WineCafe, an Arizona-born industrial wine bar and restaurant, will be sliding into its place. Thus, Cafe Carolina will continue to sate local breakfast lovers and we’re gaining a grape new eat/drink oasis in the process. See? Change is nothing to wine about. cafecarolina.com
