1986
200
$500,000
$50,000
$4,106,000
No
Carrabba’s Italian Grill offers a compelling franchise opportunity in the U.S. casual dining sector. With nearly 40 years of culinary excellence, the brand specializes in authentic Italian cuisine prepared from fresh, high-quality ingredients. Operating under Bloomin’ Brands, Carrabba’s combines a polished casual dining experience with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite among families and food enthusiasts alike.
The franchise model is designed for scalability and profitability, supported by comprehensive training, operational systems, and marketing strategies. Whether you're an experienced restaurateur or a first-time investor, Carrabba’s provides a proven pathway to success in the competitive dining industry.
Established Brand Legacy: Nearly 40 years of culinary excellence and brand recognition.
Diverse Menu Offerings: A wide range of Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, seafood, and steak.
Polished Casual Dining Experience: Elevated guest experience compared to standard Italian casual dining.
Comprehensive Support: Extensive training and operational support from Bloomin’ Brands.
Catering Opportunities: Off-premise and group dining programs to expand market reach.
Established Year: 1986
Founders: Johnny Carrabba & Damian Mandola
Headquarters: Tampa, Florida (under Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.)
Ownership: Subsidiary of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. (publicly traded, NASDAQ: BLMN)
Industry Category: Casual Dining – Italian-American Cuisine
Franchise Units: Over 200+ locations in the USA (mix of corporate-owned and franchised units)
Carrabba’s Italian Grill was founded in Houston, Texas in 1986 by Johnny Carrabba and Damian Mandola, two Sicilian-American cousins passionate about serving traditional family recipes. The first location quickly gained popularity for its authentic Italian-American dishes, warm hospitality, and scratch-made menu items.
In 1993, Carrabba’s partnered with Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. (then known as Outback Steakhouse, Inc.) to expand nationwide. This strategic move allowed the brand to grow into a household name while maintaining its Italian roots and family-inspired dining experience.
Today, Carrabba’s is recognized as a leading polished-casual dining chain in the U.S., specializing in Italian classics such as hand-prepared pasta, wood-grilled chicken, steaks, and seafood. The brand is positioned in the “casual dining with elevated experience” category, offering quality food at reasonable prices in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Strong brand recognition in the U.S. casual dining and Italian cuisine segments.
Over 200+ Carrabba’s restaurants operating nationwide, with a mix of corporate-owned and franchised units.
Popular in suburban and urban markets, with a focus on high-traffic retail centers, entertainment hubs, and family-driven communities.
Part of Bloomin’ Brands portfolio, which includes Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, giving franchisees access to a powerful support network and multi-brand operational expertise.
Family-Inspired Recipes: Authentic Italian dishes rooted in Sicilian heritage.
Polished Casual Experience: Positioned above basic casual dining, with a focus on fresh, scratch-made meals.
Menu Diversity: Wide selection including pasta, pizzas, seafood, chicken, and steaks, appealing to broad demographics.
Brand Trust: Backed by Bloomin’ Brands, a leader in the restaurant industry with decades of franchising experience.
Carrabba’s franchisees receive comprehensive support throughout the lifecycle of their business:
Pre-Launch Support:
Assistance in site selection and restaurant design.
Guidance on obtaining necessary permits and licenses.
Training:
A 12–16 week Brand Standards Training program for the operator.
Ongoing training for staff to ensure consistent service quality.
Operational Support:
Access to proprietary operational systems and procedures.
Regular visits from field consultants to ensure adherence to brand standards.
Marketing Support:
National and local marketing campaigns to drive brand awareness.
Digital marketing tools and strategies to engage customers.
Ongoing Support:
Continuous updates on menu innovations and operational best practices.
Access to a network of fellow franchisees for shared learning and support.
The ideal franchisee for Carrabba’s Italian Grill possesses the following attributes:
Business Acumen: Experience in restaurant management or a strong understanding of business operations.
Passion for Hospitality: A genuine interest in providing excellent customer service and a passion for Italian cuisine.
Financial Capability: Sufficient capital to meet the investment requirements and sustain operations during the initial phase.
Community Engagement: Ability to engage with the local community and build a loyal customer base.
Location Preference: Interest in establishing a franchise in high-traffic areas with a strong demographic fit for the brand.
| Financial Requirement | Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $238,000 – $4,106,000 | Varies by location size, build-out, and market |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $50,000 – $500,000 | Needed for startup and working capital |
| Net Worth Requirement | $500,000+ | Recommended for approval |
| Franchise Fee | $50,000 | One-time fee per unit |
| Royalty Fee | 4% – 6% of gross sales | Paid monthly |
| Marketing/Ad Fund Fee | 2% – 3% of gross sales | Contributes to national and regional campaigns |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out | $150,000 – $2,000,000 | Restaurant construction, equipment, signage, interiors |
| Initial Marketing Budget | $10,000 – $50,000 | Pre-launch and grand opening campaigns |
| Working Capital (First 3-6 Months) | $50,000 – $150,000 | For payroll, operations, and supplies |
| Average Unit Size | 5,800 – 6,500 sq. ft. | Standard casual dining layout |
| Franchise Units (USA) | 200+ | Mix of company-owned and franchised |
| Expected ROI | 15% – 25% annually (varies) | Depends on sales volume and efficiency |
| Break-Even Point | 24 – 36 months | Based on location and management |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, catering, delivery, group dining, alcohol/beverage sales | Multiple channels of income |
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