By: Daniela Caballeros

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

It all Started in ItalyThis family was all

about food and hospitality. Food was a big part of

their life. Food was present at every family gathering. Every time the

family got together most

conversations were about food or

lead to talking about food.

Houston, TexasDamian Mandola

grew up cooking alongside his mother grace. His passion for food and hospitality made him open up a modest restaurant in Houston, Texas near downtown. He named it Damian’s Cucina Italiana.

Damian asks 18 year old nephew, Johnny Carrabba to manage the restaurant.

Damian takes a trip to New York in 1984 to visit some family and Friends.

Damian and friends wait close to two hours to eat at a little Italian Restaurant in New York.

Damian’s Cucina Italiana

Mezza Luna

Damian is impressed by the popularity of this restaurant.

Contemporary atmosphere

Open kitchen counter

Open Brick Pizza Oven

Brick pizza oven

Contemporary art

Traditional Italian detail

Inside Mezza Luna

Damian proposes a new business idea to Johnny

Finding a location

Getting someone to loan them money

Mr. & Mrs. Carrabbas

The Idea of Carrabba’s

Kirby Dr. in Houston, Texas.

Fixing up locationDec. 26, 1986- opening

day!

Great success at the Kirby location brings Johnny and Damian to open up a Second location in Houston.

1989- Second location is very successful because of word of mouth.

1993- Damian gets an offer from OSI inc. to sell his idea.

Opening a Second Location

Restaurants Open in Fl and TX.

Under a joint partnership with Outback Steakhouse Inc.

10

In January 1995, OSI Restaurant Partners acquired the rights to develop the Carrabba's chain nationwide.

Going Nationwi

de

• There are currently over 200 Carrabba's Italian Grill locations.

Carrabba’s Goals

Over 200 restaurants natiowide in 26 different states…. For now