Johnny Carrabba
Carrabba’s is more than just a restaurant; it’s a neighborhood institution with a rich history. While you might be here to quickly check your Carrabba’s gift card balance, we invite you to take a moment and discover the heart and soul behind your next delicious Italian meal. For over three decades, Carrabba’s has been a Houston staple, built on family values and a commitment to creating memorable dining experiences.
It all began in 1986 when the original Carrabba’s on Kirby Drive opened its doors. With a humble $500 loan and a dream, Johnny Carrabba established a place where the most expensive menu item was a T-bone steak under ten dollars, and a great glass of wine was just over two dollars. This wasn’t just about food; it was about creating a welcoming space, a true neighborhood restaurant. The immediate success was described as “lightning in a bottle,” leading to expansion and the evolution of the original location into a larger space to accommodate its growing popularity.
From the start, Carrabba’s concept was simple yet resonant: a casual Italian restaurant featuring a wood-burning pizza oven, generous pasta dishes, and an open kitchen where guests could feel part of the culinary action. This approach quickly resonated within Houston’s vibrant dining scene, and Carrabba’s became a beloved culinary destination.
Even as Carrabba’s has grown and adapted over the years, certain core principles have remained unchanged. The unwavering dedication to serving fantastic food, the warm, inviting, and family-oriented atmosphere of the restaurants, and the mature, attentive staff who understand the importance of guest appreciation are all hallmarks of the Carrabba’s experience. This isn’t based on business school theories, but rather on genuine heart and soul, a fundamental belief in providing guests with an experience they will truly love and remember. And that is what Carrabba’s strives to do, every single day. Whether you’re using a Carrabba’s gift card to treat yourself or share the experience with loved ones, you’re stepping into a tradition of heartfelt hospitality and delicious Italian cuisine.
