The upscale Italian fast-casual concept, Mandola’s Italian Kitchen, sees a big future in Jacksonville. But first, it will start with the Claire Lane Center in Mandarin.
Construction is currently underway on the project as Dan Rainville, area developer and joint venture partner works to bring other Mandola’s Italian Kitchens around Tampa. The Mandarin restaurant is expected to open in February or March, according to the Jacksonville Daily Record.
As for the North Florida area, Rainville told the Record he is currently negotiating for the Beachwalk area in St. Johns County. And in the future, he said he hopes to put “at least four to six in the Jacksonville area.”
The new restaurant will include 6,452 square feet of space for 80 customers inside and on the patio. Additionally, the Record reported that the restaurant build-out cost about $950,000.
According to Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN), Mondola’s first opened 16 years ago in Austin, Texas, by Damian Mandola, who was a previous co-founder of Carrabba’s, as well as D’Amico’s, and Damian’s Cucina Italiana. Rather than tableside service like Mondola’s other restaurants, customers pay at the counter and feature items within the $11-$15 range.
“There are more and more occasions where people seek to get in and get out much quicker,” said Paul Avery to NRN, who was the CEO for Outback Steakhouse and an early investor in the concept.
The menu at the Florida locations will include beer, wine, a happy hour, family package meals, and both catering and a mobile pizza catering option.
