Federal Hill Carryout closed at the end of last year and the new operators of the long-time carryout space at 1538 Light St. will come from right next door. Das Bier Haus owners Scott Bauer and Nathan McKinney will be taking over and opening an Italian carryout and delivery restaurant with a focus on pizza.

McKinney told SouthBMore.com that he and Bauer weren’t actively looking for another restaurant, but simply described this as “an opportunity” and a chance to bring “better quality food done the right way with people who care” to the neighborhood. He noted that they had been in negotiations “for a while” to get the deal done and that they have a good relationship with the landlord.

Bauer and McKinney are still in the beginning stages of planning for the restaurant and the restaurant name will not be revealed just yet. They are working with Das Bier Haus sous chef Mark Dunaway, who is the former chef of Regi’s American Bistro, to create the new menu and recipes.

Pizza using fresh dough will be a big focus and will be offered as pies, along with several options by the slice. It will offer a variety of Italian dishes including pastas. “Both of us (McKinney and Dunaway) are former food sales reps and we share the same idea of what that place could be,” said McKinney.

The new restaurant will offer carryout and delivery, as well as the option to dine in. McKinney said the price points will be affordable.

The team is in the process of cleaning it up and making cosmetics upgrades to the space. A new sign will be added and the exterior will undergo improvements.

Bauer and McKinney also plan to expand the dining room in the future, noting there is some extra storage space behind the current retail setup that allows for an expansion.

An opening date has not been decided yet, but McKinney told SouthBMore.com it should be open by the Spring. The exact hours also have not been determined but McKinney said they plan to take advantage of late night business. The team plans to reveal more plans at February’s South Baltimore Neighborhood Association (SBNA) meeting.

With both Das Bier Haus and the new Italian restaurant right next door to each other, McKinney said both businesses should complement each other well. McKinney noted they will be two separate businesses, and they have no plans to expand Das Bier Haus’ liquor license into the new restaurant.

Also in the works for Bauer and McKinney is an expansion of Das Bier Haus to the second floor of its space. A renovation is currently underway that will allow for overflow dining and an event space. McKinney noted that business has been very strong and that the extra space is needed.

“We just celebrated our two-year anniversary and it’s been a long journey to get to this point,” said McKinney. “Das Bier Haus still hasn’t tapped its potential. More good things are coming.”

About the Author: Kevin Lynch Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, beach volleyball enthusiast, dog lover, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, beach volleyball enthusiast, dog lover, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at [email protected] and follow me on Twitter at @SoBoKevin