The wait is almost over: Carbone's Italian Sausage will reopen in July in Sunnyside under the direction of Tony Lonardo in collaboration with Jimmy Nigg of the Monkey Barrel. The old school classic Italian sandwich shop closed its doors early in 2013 to the dismay of fans of the family-owned business that has been operating at its 38th Street location for nearly four decades.

The Italian specialties will be featured at Monkey Barrel's new location at 4401 Tejon Street. In the beginning, there will be seating for 20 on the patio and 30 inside. When the project is complete, there will be seating for another 50 inside and another 75-100 outside. A limited menu of six of Carbone's most popular sandwiches, along with salads and appetizers, will be offered at first. Later on, Italian dinners on the weekends and possibly even oven fired pizzas will be offered.

Those eager to grab a booth to play Mario Kart or listen to live music will have to wait until the Monkey Barrel hosts its official grand opening this fall.