Rosie’s Original Carrabba’s, an esteemed name in Houston’s culinary scene, is set to undergo a significant $1.5 million renovation aimed at revitalizing its interior dining and entry areas. Located at 1399 S. Voss Road, the restaurant has filed for renovations with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, with the Houston Business Journal first reporting the plans. This comprehensive overhaul will transform the 3,000-square-foot space through updated light fixtures, new flooring, refined millwork, and a complete repainting of the dining rooms, all slated to commence in August and conclude by November.
Andrea Baltazar, vice president of design and communications at Carrabba’s, confirmed the planned updates, emphasizing the focus on refreshing the private dining rooms while maintaining operations throughout the renovation period. The well-regarded Houston-based Giles Campbell Architects has been selected to spearhead the design, ensuring the preservation of the restaurant’s welcoming and classic charm.
This renovation marks the second major update for an original Carrabba’s location in recent years, following the 2021 enhancements to the Kirby Drive flagship, which included upgraded event spaces and an expanded patio. Both of these original outlets remain independently owned and operated by the Carrabba family, distinct from the franchised Carrabba’s Italian Kitchens developed in collaboration with Outback Steakhouse during the 1990s.
Since its inception on December 26, 1986, by John “Johnny” Carrabba III and his uncle Damian Mandola, Carrabba’s has grown from its first establishment on Kirby Drive to a local culinary institution. The tradition continued with the opening of the second location at Woodway and Voss, later renamed Rosie Carrabba’s in tribute to Damian’s sister, Rose. The family has since expanded its influence with ventures such as Mia’s Table and Common Bond, the latter now featuring several bakery and “On the Go” locations across Houston.