Sometime recently, Bravo Cucina Italiana quietly closed their doors at the Arlington Highlands Shopping Center. But, Italian food fans shouldn't weep over their lost bruschetta just yet. A new tenant will be moving in soon.
Chili's founder Larry Lavine is going ot open Mandola's Italian Market in November in the old Bravo space, the Dallas Business Journal reports.
Levine purchased the rights to Mandola's earlier this year from Carrabba's Italian Grill founder Damian Mandola, though Mandola will still run his locations in Austin and San Antonio.
Lavine, along with a team of investors, will sink about $2 million into the 7,300-square-foot location. According to the business journal, "The concept will be an Italian market that sells items such as cheese, bread, meat and gelato. But woven into the market will be restaurant seating for about 200, serving casual Italian fare such as pannini, pasta, pizza and wine."
Lavine said the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex can support up to 10 of the Mandola's establishments and he is currently in negotiations for more leases.
Those left salivating for Bravo's menu will now have to head to San Antonio, where the only remaining Texas location exists. However, if you can stomach a few modifications, head over to Brio in Allen or Southlake (Bravo's sister chain) for Tuscan-inspired dishes.
