Next month in Riverview, Mandola’s Italian Kitchen is opening its fifth location, and first in Florida.
The fast-casual concept is the brainchild of chef and restaurateur Damian Mandola, co-founder of Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Paul Avery, President and CEO of the World of Beer Bar & Kitchen chain and former President and COO of Outback Steakhouse (OSI), Inc.
The powerhouse duo also plans on expanding throughout the Sunshine State with additional four locations in the Tampa area through 2022—adding approximately 65 jobs to the local economy.
Located at 12926 U.S. Highway 301 in Riverview’s Summerfield Commons Shopping Center, the 5,500-square-foot fast-casual restaurant is set to hose indoor seating for approximately 120 guests (depending on COVID regulations), as well as 1,000-square-foot patio space for those still looking to play it safe in an outdoor setting.
“We are living in an unprecedented time, but the one thing that we’ve seen is that people will always find comfort in food, especially Italian food,” said Avery in a release.
“Even during this tumultuous economic chapter, Mandola’s Italian Kitchen continues to experience sales growth, increased customer loyalty and retains a strong brand reputation. There is no other restaurant positioned like Mandola’s in the competitive set, so we are confident that this concept will thrive in Florida and are excited about the growth potential in the Sunshine State and beyond.”
Now let’s get down to the menu. The concept prides itself on utilizing authentic recipes that have been in the Mandola family for decades. Made-from-scratch ingredients include a variety of fresh pasta, homemade sauces, mozzarella and pizza dough. Oh, and diners score complimentary hot focaccia with every entrée. Some entrees include fat dishes like tortellini modo mio, a classic pasta stuffed with chicken, pork, mortadella, prosciutto, ricotta topped with Parmigiano, in a cream sauce with peas and mushrooms. There’s also a selection of salads, soups, chicken dishes, and ‘za.
Kids also have a vast selection of eats, like fettuccine Alfredo, cheese ravioli, cheese or pepperoni pizza, chicken fingers and trenette with meatballs. No word if the location will be a ghost kitchen for Tender Shack, too.
Desserts are also up for grabs like gelato, cannoli, cakes, and cookies. If you need a boost after a carb overload, specialty coffees are at diners’ disposal. Mandola’s is also getting a little boozy by offering unique Italian wine and brews.
“I have vivid memories of cooking with my mother, a.k.a. ‘Mamma Grace,’ and my wife Trina and I have worked extremely hard to carry her distinct and unforgettable flavors through to all of the dishes on the menu at Mandola’s Italian Kitchen,” shared Mandola. “These authentic flavors, combined with our warm Italian hospitality, is what truly sets Mandola’s apart from the rest. We believe there is nothing like Mandola’s Italian Kitchen in Florida and are thrilled to introduce this concept to the area.”
Upon opening, Mandola’s will be serving up lunch and dinner service form 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. You can grab your eats through indoor and outdoor dining (while abiding by CDC regulations), diners can also opt for takeout and curbside pickup orders. The concept is also set to offer large-party orders and mobile catering.
While Mandola’s ensure to practice sanitation procedures for the health and safety of bother employees and diners, do your part by wearing a mask and keeping your space.
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This article appears in Sep 17-23, 2020.