Michael Scelfo Will Open New Concept in Cafe Algiers Space

Chef and restaurateur Michael Scelfo will expand his Harvard Square empire this fall, opening a new concept in the Café Algiers space after it closes down later this summer. The space is located at 40 Brattle St., just above his restaurant Alden & Harlow, and while specifics of the plan have not yet been revealed, the new venture does have a name: Longfellow.

The forthcoming concept will reportedly honor the nearly 60-year-old cafe, which closed briefly last fall as ownership transferred from founder Emile Durzi, who stepped away from the business. Scelfo and his team will take over Café Algiers when it closes in August, and this new concept will grow the chef’s already strong presence in the neighborhood, as he also operates Waypoint on Massachusetts Avenue.

“I’m closing in on my tenth year working in restaurants here in Harvard Square,” Scelfo said in a release. (He worked at Russell House Tavern before opening Alden & Harlow and Waypoint.) “It has been a thrill to be a part of this neighborhood’s growth. We’re sad to see Emile and his team close their doors, but hope to pay homage to Algiers’ 57-year legacy with this new venture.”

Stay tuned for further details on what to expect from Longfellow.

• All Café Algiers Coverage on Eater [EBOS]