Wherever you are in the Houston area, you’re bound to be close to a restaurant tied to one local family. The restaurants have become dining destinations for generations of Houstonians.
We’re talking about the Carrabba-Mandola family, and in this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, the spotlight is on Johnny Carrabba.
Host Chris Shepherd and Carrabba have been friends for a long time, and it shows when they talk about Carrabba’s food, family, and how they became such a prominent part of Houston’s food scene.
While the restaurant is now franchised, Carrabba himself still owns the two original Carrabba’s locations on Voss and Kirby.
His parents had a small neighborhood grocery store on the East End, which they sold when Johnny opened the Carrabba’s restaurants. His 87-year-old mother can still be found every day at the Voss location.
“I’ve never seen as much energy as this lady has,” said Carrabba. “The employees walk in every morning and they hug her. She goes through the kitchen to say hello to everyone.”
While his family is part of his business, his employees have been part of his team long enough to feel like family.
“I have 25 people that have been with me 30 years or longer,” said Carrabba. “You know that’s unheard of in our business.”
In 2014, Carrabba opened Grace’s restaurant which is named after his grandmother Grace Mandola. He also owns Mia’s Table which has six locations with more to come.
His family is tied to many other restaurants, including Mandola’s Deli and Tony Mandola’s. Learn about the connections by watching this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd” in the video player above.
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“Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd” is your guide to the best food in Houston. Watch new episodes Saturdays at 10 a.m. on KPRC 2.
Season 2 of “Eat Like a Local”
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 28: FARM TO TABLE: Where Houston restaurants get the most fresh and flavorful produce
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 29: Houston Texans fans! These are the best bites you’ll find at NRG Stadium
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 30: What to order at some of Houston’s best neighborhood restaurants
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 31: Bring on the cookies! ‘Eat Like a Local’ visits some of the best bakers in town
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 32: This cocktail laboratory has a secret entrance
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 33: THEN AND NOW: How one of Houston’s most popular fried chicken restaurants came to be
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 34: Indian food to celebrate during Diwali and all year round
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 35: Pho and more 🍜 These Houston area restaurants have mastered the art of making noodles
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 36: Immerse yourself in the flavorful world of West African cuisine in Houston
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 37: DELI-cious! Sandwiches and more are on the menu in this ‘Eat Like a Local’
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 38: Take a tour of Houston’s tasty tamale scene with ‘Eat Like a Local’
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 39: The best of Houston’s Pakistani food scene
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 42: Meet the chef behind Houston’s Michelin Star restaurant BCN
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 43: So many perfect sandwiches 🥪 The journey to find the best across the Houston area
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 46: Rise and dine at exceptional Houston breakfast restaurants
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 47: Young Houston chefs put their own unique spins on Mexican food and it’s delicious
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 48: ‘Eat Like a Local’ lassos up tasty bites at RodeoHouston