Carrabba's Italian Market Debuts at Sarasota Publix

By: Carrabbas Italian Grill | 11 Shares 366 Reads

Prepared Foods Fresh from the Founders of Carrabba's Italian Grill Now Available

July 09, 2007 // Franchising.com // SARASOTA, FL., - From the founders of Carrabba's Italian Grill comes an exciting new Carrabba's Italian Market that makes its debut today at the University Walk Publix in Sarasota. According to Johnny Carrabba, co-founder of Carrabba's Italian Grill, many of the Italian specialties that people have come to love in his restaurant are now readily available for those "on the go." Full-flavored sauces, soups, pizzas and panini sandwiches, made fresh from original family recipes handed down over generations, will be prepared on the premises daily.

The new 1,000 sq ft Market features an open kitchen, complete with a grill and stone pizza oven, that invites shoppers to participate in the preparation of their food through sampling and experimenting with flavors. Also within the Market is a unique selection of specialty Italian foods such as olive oils, artichoke hearts, dry pastas, anchovies and olives. It is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.

"As it is within our restaurant, Damian and I want our customers to share our passion for cooking and feel like they are in our kitchens at home," says Carrabba. "Just like the kitchen we grew up in, Carrabba's Italian Market is a fun place to be" "Life has become pretty hectic these days, but for Carrabba's a meal is always a chance to connect, relax and enjoy. We want to make it easy for our customers to take home great food," he adds.

"The food is as fresh and flavorful as I'd expect from Carrabba's," said Heather Selens, who was among the first to visit Carrabba's Italian Market. "We are especially excited with the serving staff's enthusiasm and warm hospitality – They even provide samples and give tips on how to prepare foods at home."

"Our customers have relied on Publix to provide them with fresh, wholesome meal solutions," said Shannon Patten, Publix Manager of Media and Community Relations. "Our relationship with Carrabba's allows our customers to experience exceptional, authentic- quality Italian cuisine, from a company who shares our values towards the customer experience, freshness of food and family traditions."

About Carrabba's Italian Grill
Carrabba's Italian Grill was founded by Johnny Carrabba and Damian Mandola in Houston, Texas in 1986. The restaurant features hand-prepared family recipes made from the finest ingredients and prepared to order in an exhibition kitchen. The success of Carrabba's led to the popular PBS cooking show Cucina!, starring Carrabba and Mandola, as well as a series of companion cookbooks. There are currently 240 Carrabba's Italian Grill locations around the country, with another XX planned for 2007. For more information, visit www.carrabbas.com.

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