Carrabba’s Italian Grill was founded in 1986 in Houston, Texas by Johnny Carrabba and his uncle Damian Mandola. The company operates a chain of casual restaurants with Italian – American cuisine. As of December of 2015, there were 247 locations, with most of these being located in Florida.
In 1993, the company joined with Outback Steakhouse (now part of Bloomin’ Brands) to expand and add more locations to the company. Ten locations were opened in Texas and Florida. The two original locations in Houston still belong to the Carrabba family. Carrabba’s Italian Grill continues to expand and grow. In addition to the usual Italian dishes, the company offers a gluten free menu.
Many of the recipes used at Carrabba’s Italian Grill came from Mandola’s mother and his sister Rose. The company has headquarters in Tampa, Florida.
Carrabba's Italian GrillCarrabba’s Italian Grill was founded in 1986 in Houston, Texas by Johnny Carrabba and his uncle Damian Mandola. The company operates a chain of casual restaurants with Italian – American cuisine. As of December of 2015, there were 247 locations, with most of these being located in Florida.
In 1993, the company joined with Outback Steakhouse (now part of Bloomin’ Brands) to expand and add more locations to the company. Ten locations were opened in Texas and Florida. The two original locations in Houston still belong to the Carrabba family. Carrabba’s Italian Grill continues to expand and grow. In addition to the usual Italian dishes, the company offers a gluten free menu.
Many of the recipes used at Carrabba’s Italian Grill came from Mandola’s mother and his sister Rose. The company has headquarters in Tampa, Florida.
Went to Carraba’s in Portage, MI on 03/09/24. My husband ordered the Lasagne and I ordered chicken Parmesan which I assumed it came with spaghetti. The waiter was so soft spoken and we were seated in the back corner of the restaurant and it was kind of loud. The waiter said it comes with a side of spaghetti and another side. So, I got 2 scoops of mash potatoes and 2 chicken breast and no spaghetti. So, I asked why I didn’t get any spaghetti. He said it would be an upcharge for spaghetti because I added a side of potatoes? Needless to say, I ate my mashed potatoes, bread and salad. Then when I arrived home, I made some spaghetti.
We have been customers of Carrara’s, Henrietta, NY, for over eight years and the service and meals have been continually been deteriorating. Yet, we hope for the best. However this past Saturday March 17th 2024, was the last straw. After waiting for almost an hour to be served we received our main course. The two chicken dishes were served with partially cooked and raw chicken with he juices flowing out from the under cooking. Our friends had a ravioli meal, warm not hot, and a shrimp and scallop meal with only three small shrimps and scallops. In the past that meal was excellent and full of flavor. This time it was all noodles. I can’t tell you how disappointed we were. I am sending these comments along not to hurt anyone’s feelings but to point out how dangerous serving undercooked chicken is. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you on a phone call at 585 820 0301. Thank you.
your chicken and food was so salty that my wife and I could not eat it , we have high blood pressure and both of us are diebetic we had to throw the food away but we did tell the waitress about it and she charged us any way our bill came to just over 85 dollars way to much money to throw in the garbage can thanks for nothing to eat for our money from a diabled man with cancer thanks
We live in Phoenix and have for 25yrs…heard about your firm numerous times on the radio ads. Tried it for the first time on 10/30/21. The store was located on 17007 North Scottsdale Road. We called into make reservations and arrived for Dinner. We were greeted and seated promptly. Nice atmosphere…our waitress was Alexandra H. and she was OUTSTANDING!! took our order and constantly checked in on us. We had the Manager a Mr. Mills I believe even checked in on us (which doesn’t happen that much in Phx.). The meal was outstanding and we will be coming back..but wanted you to know that the experience was one we will always remember. Thank You again for a Great Evening!!
I am a current employee of Carrabba’s and I was recently diagnosed with Covid and I am not able to pay my bills because they aren’t giving me any type of help, is there anything they can do to help me!
we were at in one of your places LAST Saturday in north myrtle beach sc! It had to be by far the worst experience of my 69 years. everything went fine with the salad and bread, then our dinners came out and my chicken was COLD I finally got the server he brings my chicken only no fresh mashed potatoes. I must have asked for a lemon 4 or 5 times, and my husband asked for water which never came. The table next to us NEVER was waited on by MY SERVER,they had to flag down another one and he took their order but nothing ever came out, I used to be a waitress before the name changed to server, so I do know how to take care of a guest, I was going to let it go but someone has to speak up. the tabe that never was seen said this happened to the last time they were there. I know you could care less but it makes me have hope other guest won’t have the same problem the manger blamed the computers being down. Guess what back in my time we didn’t have computers and I , never left a guest without at least letting them know I would take care of any problem but my poor neighbors (the guest beside me) never had a chance
I am really upset that the palm bay, florida Carrabba’s and Merritt Island, florida took the italian chicken off the menu. I used to get pizza there all the time and for my birthday My kids would take me there every year just to get the italian chicken pizza, the cozze in bianco, and the calamari. I have 3 children and we all loved the italian chicken pizza. I would have to order 6 at a time at least once a week. I would like someone to bring this email to someone’s attention. I literally lived off that pizza. Even if I go there they refuse to make it. Im sure you have the same chicken and cheeses still on hand. Please bring the pizza back or have the ingredients handy for request.
I took two of my friends to the Lady Lake Florida restaurant. It was our second time as everything was great upon our first visit. This time not so much (March 25th 2019.) It took a long time to get a waiter. The couple beside us came after us, ordered and received bread before we even had a waiter acknowledge us. My friend had to get up and go to the hostess to tell her. Having been a waitress before, it wasn’t the worst thing, as I know those things happen during rush hour. My friend ordered chicken alfredo. There were about 5 bites of chicken and the pasta was a pile of glued much. It was impossible to swirl a few pieces of past on the fork. I ordered spaghetti and meatballs. It came with no meatballs and was cool to touch. There was so little sauce on it I could barely see it. On the positive note, your bread and dipping oil is the bomb. My other friend got grilled fish and broccoli and she said it was very good. I just wanted to let you know. I will give them another chance though.
I haven’t been to a Carrabba’s in a few years. The service has never been very good. And yesterday was no different. Only this time it was worse. I am in my 60’s. I have two daughters and we were having a great day out together for my youngest daughters birthday. After a great day my daughter wanted to go Italian for dinner. I suggested trying your restaurant here in Fredericksburg, Va. Since I hadn’t been there in a few years. We waited over 35 minutes for a table. Once we were seated a server came over to the table to get out drink orders. My daughter who’s birthday it was, she turned 43, was asked for ID. Ok no problem. she does look younger. The server said she was supposed to ask if anyone looked under 30. I have been in the restaurant business as a manager for over 40 years, so she was doing her job. We gave her our drink order. My daughter who’s birthday it was ordered a beer and I, who drink alcohol maybe 5 times a year, ordered one of your tiramisu martinis, which my oldest daughter picked out for me, and she was drinking water. We were not sure of what we wanted to eat so the server left and brought two waters back. We waited another 20 minutes and she came back and asked if we wanted some bread. Sure! She left the table, no order or drinks. We waited another 10 minutes, no bread, no drinks no server. Then another girl came to our table and took my oldest daughter to another room. She told my daughter we could not be served any alcohol because we seemed to be intoxicated. So far from the truth. My birthday daughter is always very friendly to everyone and we were having a great day! Were! My daughter told her that she was driving, I didn’t have any alcohol at all in the last 6 months and my other daughter had one beer earlier in the afternoon. WHAT MAKES THEM THINK IT IS OKAY TO ASSUME SOMEONE IS INTOXICATED BECAUSE THEY ARE VERY FRIENDLY. Is your restaurant for the snoodie people who only have frowns on their faces and are not friendly or chatty? While we were waiting for table there were many many people drinking liquor and wine and not just one, did they get that treatment? We didn’t have anything to drink while waiting. I made the decision to get up and leave your restaurant. Me being a General Manager in the restaurant business I felt discriminated against and belittled and was very embarrassed. My daughter works for the city of Fredericksburg. You can guarantee myself and my daughters will never be back to that restaurant and will be sure NOT to recommend anyone we know to go there either. We have lived in Fredericksburg for over 20 years. I know many many people. If you treat your guests like the way we were treated I am surprised you have any guests at all. We went to a family owned Italian restaurant for dinner instead. They were more than happy to treat us the way all patrons should be treated. HOW DARE YOUR MANAGER THINK WE WERE INTOXICATED. She should of just talked to us and made sure there was a DD. I don’t think if I drank one drink it would impair my driving, but I wasn’t driving at all. Thank you for ruining our happy day and my daughters birthday. We will never be back and will make sure everyone we know knows how we were treated.
I ordered Christmas Eve dinner, for pu. I made a special trip the day before to make sure this was paid and would be hassle free for my son inlaw to pu. When he got there to pu, he was told he needed to pay. I called and was told “they lost my cc info” Totally Unacceptable!! They had all my info ( cc#, zip code, 3 digit code) and I was told it would be in a safe place until the next day. I was very upset about this, and the gentleman I spoke with told me “Its Crazy around here” What!!! No Im sorry I lost your info, Ill look into this, Nothing, Unbelievable! I find this very concerning being the day before I was hesitant to give my cc info, but was assured it would be in a safe place until the next day. I feel This should have been handled differently. My cc info is still missing! I have enjoyed Carraba’s many times before, after yesterday Im sorry but will not be returning.
My wife and I are long time customers of the Carrabbas in Boca Raton Florida. Over the past few years it seems a certain policy, relating to emotional support animals being allowed in your restaurant, has changed. It has become common to eat diner, seated next to, people with an emotional support animal. Now I am aware of the guidelines allowing service dogs in all public venues, but emotional support animals are not covered by the ADA. Can you explain why you allow this to continue with out challenging these people? I hope very much to hear back from you .
Thank you.
some of the wait staff at carrabbas in Clermont florida are PETTY CROOKS. On more than one occasion when paying with a gift card they came back and said we had less money on the card than we know we had by 5 or 10 dollars Other times when leaving cash for a tip to help the waiter they took the cash and still deducted the tip from my card We are snowbirds and in our 80:s but still don’t like to be scammed wether its 5 buck or 500 bucks This seems to be an industry wide thing in florida as its happened in longhorns in lady lake fl too So check your cards when dining in florida
Ever since the owner/operator left Jacksonville Beach Carrabbas in Jacksonville, Florida, the place has gone down in food quality and customer care.. But, my real concern (and I am surprised that no one else has mentioned this) is that the drinking straws come to the customer uncovered in the beverage glass. Even fast food places have straws that are covered either in paper or plastic!!! Uncovered straws are a health hazard since one does not know where the servers’ hands have been. Handling dirty credit cards and computers and then a bare straw means GERMS on YOUR straw. The health department should be notified and Carrabbas, Bonefish Grill and Outback Steakhouse should be brought on the carpet for perpetrating unclean food practices. I have notified corporate HQ to file a report and have asked for a call back from “Operations” who refuse to be contacted directly.
HAD a meal at said carrabba,s i think it might have o/k exept it was ice cold when it was served// I said benifit of dought.ask,s for the check 60.00 for 2,a little extreame.O/K THE WAITRESS packed are leftovers up /[/you better sit down] ]set the carry out bag on the FLOOR,YOU I and i walk to are seats///TALK ABOUT A DOGGY BAG I WOULD NOT SERVE THAT TO MY DOG S/IT,S BEEN ON THE FLOOR//60.00 DOLLARS. VERO BEACH FLA.///LISTEN 1 BAD EXPPRINCE COME TO VERO ANY TIME YOU WILL ENJOY..
Excellent food and best service from server Bianca at Carrabbas restaurant at 791 Skymarks Dr Jacksonville FL 32328.
Bianca was friendly, knowledgeable and efficient.
Will make sure she is working when making plans for our next night out!
Sent multiple emails about a horrible experience at the Amherst New York location and have been ignored.
Just had a group at Carrabba’s in Spring Hill. Had 26 folks for dinner at 4 P.M. on May 17th and we were served by Ricky and Charles and everyone commented on the the excellent food and service. This group was the Wisconsin Club of Hernando County. I also book parties for K 9 Partners for Patriots here in Spring Hill. Had Carrabba’s cater a function in Feb. of this year for 150 people — including many of our Vets and their canine partners along with the public. Again the food was excellent and Ricky and Taylor made the event run smoothly. Rory and Stacie have helped these organizations many times. I’ve had dealing with Bonefish and Outback and want you to know these 3 resturants our serving Hernando County proundly. Thank You.
Faith Baldwin
After Care Program Manager for K 9 Partners for Patriots.
Last night we ate at carrabbess in Bensalem p.a I could not believe my eyes when I witnessed a waiter scrapping food from the spoon and bang it on the counter and then put it with the soup that was going to be served to a customer. Then on the food line the appetizer person was serving mozzarella sticks burnt and the cheese was all out of the crust. And was going to serve it and the waiter was taking it. Also the place was filthy food papers on the floor. And they were cleaning the line counter with dirty towels. I orders the pasta wizzie and the pasta was all stuck together by this time I was disgusted by what I was seeing. I ask to talk to the manager and her name was Mary she was expediting the food. Then just standing there. She came over and I expressed my concerns and she said I can make you another plate I said no. And her explanation for everything was you can’t be every where all the time. Bull I worked in an on the kitchen for 23 years so I think I know what goes on on the business. This place is disgusting never was that way when Mr Andrew Hacker had it. I feel this place needs an over hall next call is the health department. Before someone gets sick. And portion control on the food is horrible and the bread was served in take out container and they they kept running out of spoons for soup and the salad person made horrible salads and the dessert he served was one cake small and the other big tried to cover it up by garnishing it really disappointed in this place will never go back don’t want to get sick sorry Drew. You should have never left service bad too. A concerned customer.
Had dinner last night at your Naples south restaurant. We had the $45 special for two. After the appetizer and salad the waitress came to the table and said they were out of Lasagna. We asked why and she couldn’t answer. The manager came to the table and said it takes 45 minutes to cook, we should order something else. He runs the restaurant, not me, this shouldn’t happen. He was very Brash with his comments and gave no concern for the problem. He certainly could have done something to satisfy us, he didn’t care at all. Being a frequent customer, it sure left us unsatisfied !!
Last evening, we enjoyed a wonderful meal and the best of service at the Carrabas in West Springfield, MA. John, the manager, made the rounds to greet all the patrons. My husband told him how much he liked the Meatball Magnifico and that he would like to try to make it at home. Next thing we knew, Chris, the cook, came over with a list of the ingredients. He explained that he could not share the recipe, but knowing the ingredients should help. Both employees were very friendly. Our server, Javon, (not sure about the spelling) was Johnny-on-the-spot. Very nice and helpful. I felt he was really there to help us. We enjoyed some laughs with all three men. Good workers!
I made reservations on Monday, Sept. 19th at 11:30 am with Naomi at your Warwick, R.I. Restaurant for 4 ( Costello ) for November 24th. THANKSGIVING DAY. When arriving the restaurant was CLOSED!!! I can’t believe your establishment didn’t have the decency to contact me that you decided to close so I could make other arrangements. On Monday, November 28th, I e-mailed the Warwick restaurant. I am still waiting for a reply. I can’t believe that you cannot even offer an apology, never mind, NOT EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE WAS A MISTAKE!!!
I failed to mention in my previous email to Carrabbas, after dining in the Carrabas at 38th and Collins in Miami; Mr. Derrick Pilates not only righted the wrongs but he also made my new food himself as to ensure that it was done right. Carrabbas, you should do anything and everything possible to always retain him as an employee. If this were my businessx I would never let him go.
Hi, I wanted to write about an experience I had at the Carrabbas location in Miami at 38th and Collins. On November 25, my sister and I dined in this restaurant after just flying in from New Jersey for vacation. We hadnt eaten all day and was very tired and hungry. I ordered 2 items, one of which was delicious and the other had to get sent back because it was burned. I then ordered another dish to replace the one that I sent back and that one was terrible too. At that time I asked for the manager, who immediately greeted us with a smile. After explaining to him the situation he stated the he totally understood and offered to make it right. He said he likes to treat others that was he would like to be treating if he were the dinner. His name is Derrick Pilates and he is a rock star! He is the epitome of what customer service should look like. Most often, I am complaining about the horrible customer service I received and not to the contrary. Please recognize this employee as he is good for Carrabbas business. As a public servant myself, I know that Mr. Pilates is a true gem of an employees and embodies the qualities that are rarely seen or acknowledged in this line of work. I am often a difficult customer and Mr. Pilates handled me with ease.