5 Surprising Facts About Mandola's Italian Kitchen: The Fast-Casual Empire Built By A Carrabba's Co-Founder

Mandola's Italian Kitchen, a name synonymous with authentic Sicilian-Italian home cooking and a bustling, family-style atmosphere, is currently undergoing a significant transformation, marked by rapid expansion and a renewed focus on its upscale fast-casual model. As of late 2025, the brand is making major moves, particularly across the Sunshine State, solidifying its position as a major player in the competitive Italian restaurant landscape. This article dives into the latest developments, the rich history, and the culinary secrets that have fueled this growth, straight from the co-founder of the legendary Carrabba's Italian Grill himself.

The concept, which first opened its doors in Austin, Texas, over 16 years ago, has successfully blended the convenience of fast-casual dining with the quality and warmth of a traditional Italian eatery, complete with a unique market-style counter service. The latest news centers on new locations in Florida, strategic partnerships, and a celebration of the founder's remarkable five-decade career in the restaurant industry. Get ready to explore the five most surprising facts about this growing "famiglia" and its commitment to authentic Italian culture and cuisine.

The Mandola Legacy: From Carrabba's Co-Founder to Fast-Casual Pioneer

The story of Mandola's Italian Kitchen is inseparable from the biography of its co-founder, Chef and restaurateur Damian Mandola. His journey is a testament to a lifelong passion for Italian food and hospitality, deeply rooted in Sicilian tradition.

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• Full Name: Damian Mandola
• Role: Co-Founder and Owner of Mandola's Italian Kitchen
• Key Milestone: Celebrated 50 years since opening his first restaurant at the age of 21.
• Co-Founding History: Damian Mandola is famously known as the co-founder of the hugely successful national chain, Carrabba's Italian Grill.
• Mandola's Italian Kitchen Founding: Opened the first location in Austin, Texas, 16 years ago (circa 2009) with his wife, Trina Mandola.
• Wife/Partner: Trina Mandola, who co-created the concept, focusing on an authentic Italian grocery and eatery with warm hospitality.
• Concept Vision: To create an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with a market-style, counter-service model, replicating the bustling atmosphere of a massive Italian home kitchen.
• Current Growth Partner: Paul Avery, former president and COO of Outback Steakhouse, has partnered with Mandola to scale the fast-casual concept nationally.

Damian Mandola’s extensive career, which began in 1975, provides the culinary backbone for Mandola's Italian Kitchen. The Mandolas' vision was to bring the feeling of eating in a large, non-tacky Italian kitchen to the public, focusing on authentic, high-quality ingredients and a vibrant, energetic atmosphere.

The Secret to Mandola's Success: Authentic Italian Cuisine and Market-Style Experience

Mandola's Italian Kitchen differentiates itself in the fast-casual space by offering a truly authentic Italian experience that goes beyond standard pasta and pizza. The menu is a delightful journey through traditional Italian cuisine, perfect for families and solo diners seeking Sicilian-Italian home cooking.

A Menu Rooted in Tradition (2025 Update)

The 2025 updated menu maintains a focus on classic, comforting dishes, ensuring there is something for everyone, including children's favorites like Fettuccine Alfredo and Spaghetti & Meatballs. However, the true culinary gems are found in the daily features, which offer a rotating selection of more complex, deeply traditional Italian cuisine.

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• Monday Feature: Chicken Capriciossa
• Wednesday Feature: Penne Alla Vodka
• Thursday Feature: Cannelloni Fiorentina
• Friday Feature: Shrimp Scampi
• Saturday Feature: Brasato (a slow-braised beef dish)

These daily specials, such as the rich Brasato and the comforting Penne Alla Vodka, elevate the dining experience, showcasing the kitchen's commitment to culinary authenticity and topical authority. The menu also includes separate offerings for Florida and Texas locations, as well as an extensive bakery and pastry selection, rounding out the full Italian culinary experience.

More Than a Restaurant: The Italian Grocery Concept

A core element that distinguishes Mandola's is its dual-concept model. It functions not only as a lively, bustling eatery but also features a vintage Italian grocery store. This market-style approach allows patrons to purchase specialty Italian goods, bringing a piece of the "famiglia" experience home with them. This unique feature enhances the perception of authenticity and provides an additional revenue stream, solidifying its place as a true Italian cultural hub in locations like Austin, TX, and Odessa, FL.

Rapid Expansion: New Locations and the Future of the 'Famiglia'

The most compelling current news about Mandola's Italian Kitchen is its aggressive expansion strategy, driven by the partnership between Damian Mandola and Paul Avery. The goal is to grow the fast-casual concept beyond its Texas roots and establish a strong presence, particularly in the Southeast.

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The Florida Growth Spurt (2025 Focus)

Florida has become the primary focus for the brand's latest expansion efforts. The Sunshine State is seeing a significant influx of new Mandola's locations, joining the existing unit in Maitland, FL (Orlando area).

Key new and planned locations include:

• Jacksonville, FL: The brand is set to open its first Jacksonville location at the Claire Lane Center, with permit applications already under review. This opening is a major step in the Florida expansion.
• Odessa, FL: A new location was announced for the Odessa area, promising to bring Italian culture and cuisine to the community with its warm hospitality.
• Oldsmar, FL: Another key location announced as part of the expansion plans, further solidifying the brand's presence in the Tampa Bay area.
• Tampa, FL: A second Florida location was scheduled to open in Tampa, following the initial success of the Maitland unit.

This strategic growth is a clear indicator of the concept's success and scalability. By partnering with Paul Avery, a veteran of the restaurant industry, Mandola's is positioned for national growth, leveraging Avery's expertise from his time at Outback Steakhouse.

The Enduring Texas Roots

While expanding in Florida, Mandola's maintains a strong base in its home state of Texas. The original locations in the Austin area continue to thrive, serving as the foundation for the entire concept. Current Texas locations include The Triangle, Cedar Park, and Bee Cave. These established eateries provide the blueprint for the fast-casual, market-style dining experience that is now being replicated across the country.

The combination of a rich culinary heritage, a unique and scalable business model, and a strategic partnership for growth ensures that Mandola's Italian Kitchen is more than just a place to eat; it's a growing "famiglia" committed to sharing the authentic taste of Italy with a wider audience. The ongoing expansion and the celebration of Damian Mandola’s 50-year career make 2025 a pivotal year for this fast-casual Italian powerhouse.