Emil’s, the new café at the corner of Broad and Ninth Streets, has opened after more than seven years in the making.
The long-awaited bistro, aptly billed as “part café, part coffee bar, part self-pour taproom,” started business on Wednesday, and held its grand opening on Thursday, complete with a ribbon-cutting alongside the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce.
Owners Shawn and Emilie Moseley bought the two-story, 16,000-square foot mixed-uses building in 2018 and began what would be a years-long renovation project to realize a vision that had developed over about a decade before that.
Emil’s is named after Emilie’s late grandfather, Emil Claey, for whom she was named, a soldier turned electronics teacher who became renowned for his cooking, his sense of humor and his profound generosity.
“He was a really, really good man, and he would have spent his last five dollars cooking you a meal,” said Emilie Moseley during the café’s grand opening. “He’s the one that instilled my love for cooking in me, and also my giving and receiving love through food… It’s just kind of my love language, feeding people.”
Alongside coffee selections sourced from Durham, N.C.-based Counter Culture Coffee, patrons can choose from tapas offerings such as Far East Meatballs made of seasoned mince pork, a “pint-sized” roast beef and Havarti melt sandwich, or a charcuterie board with a spread that includes — but isn’t limited to — Maplewood smoked cheddar, Black Angus bresaola and caper berries.
“This has been a passion project for us,” said Emilie Moseley. “I can’t believe it’s finally here, but I’m so glad it’s finally here, and I’m glad that all you get to be here today to enjoy it and celebrate.”
Emil’s is located at 902 Broad St.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
