Carrabba’s Italian Grill is one of America’s most popular Italian-themed chain restaurants, with about 250 locations throughout the country. What started as a family-owned restaurant in 1986 is today a certified behemoth (it’s the second-largest Italian-themed chain restaurant, behind Olive Garden), but our pick for America’s best Italian restaurant chain hasn’t forgotten its family roots.
The Carrabba Family Still Owns the Original Two Locations
Photo by Loren A. via Yelp
Those two Houston locations that initially sparked Outback’s interest? While they may look like all the others (they’ve been thoroughly renovated by now), they’re still owned by the Carrabba family, separate from Bloomin’ Brands.
Many Menu Items Are Real Carrabba Family Recipes
Lots of the dishes you’ll find on the Carrabba’s menu were inspired by Damian’s mother, Grace, and his sister, Rose.
Carrabba and Mandola Host a PBS Cooking Show
Chicken Bryan Isn’t Named After Someone Named Bryan
They’ll Bring Your Order Directly to Your Car
George G. / Yelp
They’ll Let You Play with Pizza Dough at Your Table
Robert V./Yelp
Joining the Amici Club Comes With Some Nice Perks
Carrabba’s Italian Grill/Yelp
The Unhealthiest Menu Item Is…
Ter L./Yelp
Surprisingly, the unhealthiest item on the Carrabba’s menu is Cavatappi Franco, which tops spiral-shaped pasta with grilled chicken, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, broccoli, olives, garlic, olive oil, and ricotta salata. A bowl contains 1,266 calories, 76 grams of fat, and 1,917 milligrams of cholesterol.
The Unhealthiest Diner Foods in America
They’re Toying With Delivery
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They Recently Gave Away 1 Million Dishes
Carrabba’s Italian Grill/Yelp
Carrabba’s added 20 new items to their menu in January, and they really pulled out all the stops to promote it. One million customers received a voucher for a free appetizer, entrée, or small plate, and between January and early March all customers received a flat 20 percent discount off their checks. Pretty generous!