(Click “Like” to become a fan of the Palm Coast Observer.)

Carrabba’s Italian Grill, an Italian-American chain restaurant, will begin construction on a new location in Palm Coast’s Cobblestone Village, according to the developer.

Katie Reinsmidt, a spokeswoman for CBL & Associates Properties Inc., confirmed via email Monday that construction on the Carrabba’s could begin in the “coming weeks for an opening by the end of the year.”

In Friday’s Week in Review report published by the city, Carrabba’s was listed for filing for its technical site plan. The site plan is the first of two steps before a restaurant or business can open.

The City Council approved a replat earlier this month of the lot in Cobblestone Village.

Palm Coast Mayor Jon Netts said the short-term benefits of Carrabba’s include more employment, more income for the city and more choices for residents.

“I think it speaks very well for the city,” Netts said Monday afternoon. “But the big picture ... these (companies) are not foolish. They do their due diligence and they are going to invest their capital dollars where they expect a return on investment.”

Carrabba’s is owned and operated by Tampa Bay-based Bloomin’ Brands Inc. and was founded in 1986 by John Charles “Johnny” Carrabba III and his uncle, Damian Mandola. The first restaurant opened in Houston.

As of Dec. 31, 2011, there were 231 company-owned locations, along with one franchised location.

About a month ago, Zaxby’s, a franchised chain of fast casual restaurants that sells buffalo chicken wings, chicken fingers, sandwiches and salads, applied for its technical site plan. Both will be located near the new Florida Hospital Flagler medical facility.

In the end, Netts said, having new restaurants and companies come to town is a vote of confidence.

“Big boys are looking at Palm Coast in a positive light,” Netts said.

Email Andrew O’Brien at andrew@palmcoastobserver.com.

 

• SHARE
• Email This Page
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Google Bookmarks