Carrabba's To Open Two New Restaurants on Kirby

CultureMap reported today on Carrabba's plans to transform its current location into three separate restaurants. After occupying the same space on Kirby for 25 years, the much beloved Italian restaurant will transform itself into three new eateries near the intersection of Kirby and West Alabama, starting in June.

Carrabba's will become Carrabba's Johnny IV at a new spot just south of the current building. Grace's, an upscale concept named after Johnny's mother, is slated to open in February 2013 in a space just to the north.

The third restaurant, named Mia's after Johnny's daughter, represents a more casual direction for Carrabba's. Located at the corner of Branard and Argonne, Mia's will serve sandwiches featuring Carrabba's meatballs and sausage. Managing partner Tom Watkins told CultureMap that the restaurant will also utilize a smoker to prepare pulled pork and ribs.

The massive parking garage Carrabba's built last year always seemed like overkill for the size of the restaurant. With two new locations joining the family, now it makes sense.
· Inside the Carrabba's on Kirby expansion: Details on three new restaurants, including the casual Mia's [Culture Map]