New Italian Restaurant To Open In Woodbury

Years ago, Richard Hafiz used to hunt in the fields near the Woodbury Drive-Valley Creek Road intersection.

Now, folks hunting for an Italian meal in Woodbury can go to the same place.

Carmine’s Restaurant and Bar will soon open at 9900 Valley Creek Road in the former Chickadee Cottage Restaurant and Woodbury Broiler Bar space.

The family-run Italian restaurant is still under construction. Owner Brenda Hafiz said she’s shooting for an Aug. 25 opening.

“We thought it was a really good fit for the community—something that was lacking,” said Hafiz, an Italian with some Lebanese blood. The restaurant's moniker comes from her father's middle name.

The family has opened up the space, knocking out walls and putting in an expansive 65-foot bar with five 55-inch televisions mounted behind it. “It’s going to be a bar no one in Woodbury has,” Hafiz said.

Carmine’s will also feature a party room for everything from Little League banquets to business lunches and groom’s dinners.

The menu is being crafted by head chef Jimmy Hafiz, Brenda’s son, who trained in Arizona and was formerly at Kincaid’s in downtown St. Paul.

“It’s a simple menu yet sort of fun—easy and affordable,” said Hafiz, who has lived in Woodbury since 1986. Her husband, who has 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, moved here in 1962.

Carmine’s will feature live music on the weekends, likely an acoustic group at first and possibly a piano bar in time.

The restaurant will hire more than 30 people to start, and will take on more if need be. “It would be a good problem to have,” Hafiz said.

Hafiz said she hopes the restaurant becomes a community staple. People from the surrounding neighborhood have already stopped by, often with their children, and the family has given them a quick tour of Carmine's. Former neighbors have also sent the family letters of support, she said.

“Woodbury has grown so much, but it’s still a community,” Hafiz said.

Hours of operation are tentatively set for 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to midnight on Sundays. Reservations will be accepted. Call Carmine’s at 651-730-4500. The restaurant's website has yet to launch.