MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – More than a month after opening its doors, Carousel Café officially celebrated its grand opening Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation (EMBDC).
Community members gathered at 11 a.m. to celebrate the downtown Meridian business, which first opened on May 15.
Owner Ezra Clay said the support from the community has been overwhelming.
“I think we had a fantastic turnout for the ribbon cutting. I’ve seen so many familiar faces. I feel like the downtown community has been so supportive of me during this entire venture,” Clay said.
Carousel Café serves breakfast, lunch, specialty coffee and baked treats. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For Clay, opening the café is the continuation of a passion that began years ago while working alongside her mother, Gina Giuliano, owner of the former Mia’s Café, a longtime Meridian favorite.
“My mother opened Mia’s when I was about 17 years old. I was working there from the start as a barista at first, then I did management there, so I’ve worked every position possible,” Clay said. “That’s really where my love of the restaurant industry and downtown came to be born. If it wasn’t for my mom’s influence at Mia’s, I would have never come to have this place. She’s supported me and helped me open and has just been my rock through all of this.”
Clay said she hopes Carousel Café becomes more than just a place to eat.
“I hope the Carousel Café is welcoming. I want it to be a place of comfort and community. I want everyone to feel like they can relax in here,” she said.
She added that creating memorable experiences is just as important as serving quality food.
“That’s what food is about to me. It’s about the experience that you have with the people you enjoy it with,” Clay said.
Among the menu offerings, Clay said the Chicken Caprese Panini is her personal favorite.
“I have got to say the Chicken Caprese Panini. It’s one of my favorite meals that I’ve always cooked for myself,” she said.
Carousel Café currently employs five to six staff members.
Clay invited the community to stop by for breakfast, lunch or coffee.
“You can stop by for breakfast or lunch Wednesday through Sunday. If you want to start your morning with coffee, we do that. We also have so many treats to try out, so come eat them!” she said.
Carousel Café Hours:
- Wednesday–Friday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
