Mandola’s Italian Kitchen, the pasta and pizza concept found in Texas and Florida, is preparing to open a new location in Mandarin at 11112 San Jose Blvd.
The company’s first Jacksonville site will be 6,452 square feet and located at the end unit of Claire Lane Center, according to Jacksonville Daily Record. Mandola’s Italian Kitchen currently has three locations in Florida, at Riverview, Oldsmar, and Carrollwood, and four in Texas. Founder Damian Mandola and area developer Dan Rainville, who is also a joint venture partner, are planning to open eight to ten sites in Jacksonville and Orlando. Rainville hopes to open at least four to six in the Jacksonville area.
Mandola’s Italian Kitchen has already secured two locations in Jacksonville and Orlando, thanks to Rainville, who is the partner for both area developments. These selected sites are “based on income and demographics and future growth of that area,” according to Rainville. The Claire Lane Center location was initially intended to open in February or March, but an exact opening date remains to be determined. Last month the restaurant was issued a permit from the city for the $1.5 million build-out of the concept, meaning this location could take longer than anticipated.
When these new locations open in the coming months/ years, customers can expect everything typically found at a pizza chain, plus more. Mandola’s Italian Kitchen will have classic options, such as pasta dishes, antipasti, chicken, soups, salads, and, of course, pizza. The restaurant also features a bakery that offers cookies, cakes, and other sweet treats like gelato and sorbetto. Mandola’s Italian Kitchen provides additional services, including happy hour, family package meals, and catering, made possible via a mobile pizza oven.
