Mel's Commissary Being Replaced by a New Concept in Carrboro

CARRBORO, NC — Himalayan Fried Chicken and Bar is preparing to open at 109 W Main St, Carrboro, NC 27510, with a grand opening gathering planned for Dec. 29 and official operations beginning Jan. 2.

Co-owner Ramesh Dahal told Business Debut the team is finishing training and internal testing ahead of welcoming the public. The restaurant is taking over the former Mel’s Commissary and Catering space and will continue to offer a commissary kitchen for local food trucks during the remodel and relaunch.

What to Expect

Himalayan Fried Chicken and Bar will operate as a casual neighborhood spot with a focus on fried chicken and a full bar. Guests will be able to dine in the front-of-house space once doors open to the public in early January.

While the dining room remains closed during the transition, Dahal said several local food trucks are already using the back-of-house commissary kitchen for prep before heading out to their routes.

Menu and Vision

Dahal plans to keep Mel’s menu as the foundation while introducing a signature Himalayan fried chicken program. The kitchen will focus on two main fried chicken options, offering both bone-in and boneless versions.

The chicken will be marinated in a Himalayan-inspired spice blend, fried to order and served with dipping sauce and a traditional-style spiced potato side. Dahal said pricing will be intentionally affordable.

“My goal is to provide affordable, healthy fried chicken to the Chapel Hill and Carrboro community and the surrounding area,” Dahal told Business Debut. He described the fried chicken as “a kind of gift from the Himalayan region to the community” and emphasized keeping prices reasonable.

The bar will feature craft cocktails along with a selection of beer and wine.

Opening Timeline

A ribbon-cutting and small meet-and-greet event is scheduled for Dec. 29 at 5:30 p.m., with invited neighbors, supporters and town representatives.

Dahal said guests at the event can expect refreshments, samples of Himalayan fried chicken and a brief traditional Himalayan cultural dance performance. The dining room will open to the public starting Jan. 2, with full operations for Himalayan Fried Chicken and Bar beginning that day.

Hours

Initial operating hours for January and February are planned for 4 p.m. — 10 p.m. Specific days of operation and any expanded hours after February are to be announced as the team gauges customer demand.

Follow for More

Website and social media channels for Himalayan Fried Chicken and Bar are to be announced.