Carrabba's Closed their doors

Went to dine at the Carrabba's in O'fallon, Mo this weekend and there was an empty parking lot and a sign on the door thanking everyone for their patronage the past 3 years.
Does anyone have a clue why they shut this restaurant down? They seemed to have a pretty steady flow of customers. And the food was actually pretty good for a chain. Also, is this the only store that closed?

The website shows only 2 left in IL, Naperville and Woodridge. Looks like you're SOL for anything close to you.

I am truelly saddened by this development.

The closest one to me is in Vegas or Phoenix, so it looks like I'll have to wait to give them a try on your recommendation.

Carrabba's is an overpriced poor imitation of Italian dishes. Patronize your local mom and pop Italian restaurant, you'll be better off.

Cheers, John

Not surprised...There are too many real Italian restaurants within a 10 minute drive of O'Fallon, like the awesome Stefanina's.

in south florida Carrabbas has two stores that seem to be going strong. They were much better in houston where they originated the concept.

They're still open in Charlotte.

the one in Daytona is mainly tourists like olive garden that won't go to an independent

quote:

Originally posted by Rt66Mike

Not surprised...There are too many real Italian restaurants within a 10 minute drive of O'Fallon, like the awesome Stefanina's.

I do patronize my local mom & pops, such as, Napoli's (Pizza to die for), Stephs (been going here since high school, fish bowl beers, yum) and Erio's (been going here so long they give us Easter and Christmas gifts). But when I'm not in the mood to drive as far, our family would settle for Carrabbas (2 for 1 happy hour might have something to do with it).

I would agree Carabbas is overpriced and the food ain't that great.

I think they are just okay. There is a fairly new Carrabas, just a mile from my condo. It used to be a Chi-Chi's before that hepatitis outbreak in the Pittsburgh area closed up the whole chain.

Carraba's are owned by Outback, which has a steakhouse in the same shopping center, as well...

The Lone Star steak house by me closed up in the springtime. They were hit and miss, anyway. (mostly miss)

I agree to keep supporting your mom and pop joints!

quote:

Originally posted by seafarer john

Carrabba's is an overpriced poor imitation of Italian dishes. Patronize your local mom and pop Italian restaurant, you'll be better off.

Cheers, John

I have to respectfully disagree with you! We've been to both mom and pop Italian restaurants and Carrabba's. Carrabba's is by far the best o' the bunch! As a matter of fact, it is our favorite restaurant.

Lonestar Steakhouse in Port Orange Florida closed about a month ago. no loss. Longhorn in Daytona is much better,( for a chain that is).

quote:

Originally posted by bbqjimbob

quote:

Originally posted by seafarer john

Carrabba's is an overpriced poor imitation of Italian dishes. Patronize your local mom and pop Italian restaurant, you'll be better off.

Cheers, John

I have to respectfully disagree with you! We've been to both mom and pop Italian restaurants and Carrabba's. Carrabba's is by far the best o' the bunch! As a matter of fact, it is our favorite restaurant.

You've been to both mom and pop restaurants? I thought that there were more than two.

Seriously, you haven't been to the right one then.

quote:

Originally posted by Extreme Glow

quote:

Originally posted by bbqjimbob

Originally posted by seafarer john

Carrabba's is an overpriced poor imitation of Italian dishes. Patronize your local mom and pop Italian restaurant, you'll be better off.

Cheers, John

You've been to both mom and pop restaurants? I thought that there were more than two.

Seriously, you haven't been to the right one then.

I'm assuming that your reference to "2" mom and pop restaurants is a joke, and not a grammatical misunderstanding! Judging from the "smiley", I'd say that it's a joke! I have been to the better mom and pop restaurants in this area. I'll concede the fact that there are not many in our area- more than 2, however, and based on the better ones, Carrabba's is by far better! I'm not defending Carrabba's- I'd love to find a mom and pop Italian Rest. that is better! So far, it hasn't happened!
BTW- where is the "right" one?! If it's not too far away, my wife and I would be happy to meet you there, and- what the heck- if it really is that much better than Carrabba's, we'll happily pick up the check!