Decatur’s culinary scene expands with new Italian eatery, ‘Mother’s’

The venture by the owners of 609 Social will soon open in downtown Decatur, featuring chef Michael Locascio’s family recipes.

The owners of a popular Decatur eatery are branching out with the pending opening of a new downtown Italian restaurant.

Mother’s Italian Kitchen, introduced by 609 Social — Market & Provisions, will operate out of 209 2nd Ave. SE, Unit A1. The concept centers on handmade pastas, house-made sauces and the family recipes of chef and owner Michael Locascio.

An exact date for the official grand opening was not announced.

Locascio’s family emigrated from Italy to the United States in 1872, settling in Birmingham, where they built a small business beginning with a fruit cart. Food remained central to the family across generations, a tradition Locascio carried into his professional career.

His culinary path began in his father’s butcher shop before he earned a degree from Western Culinary Institute. He later helped open Hot & Hot Fish Club and Chez Fonfon in Birmingham — two of the city’s most celebrated restaurants — before working abroad in France, Sweden and Italy. In Italy, he worked for the Tremolini family, including a stint at one of their Michelin-starred establishments.

Mother’s Italian Kitchen is described as a sister concept to 609 Social, sharing the same ownership and hospitality philosophy. The restaurant has launched a Facebook page where followers can expect menu previews and grand opening details in the coming weeks.