Johnny Carino’s, an Italian casual dining chain, opened a new prototype in Laredo, Texas.
The approximately 6,000-square-foot restaurant features an open interior with a polished vibe. An expansive bar anchors the dining room with multiple televisions. The restaurant also includes an open kitchen, a private dining space and an outdoor patio with fire pits. A red Vespa scooter occupying a prominent position within the restaurant serves as a distinctive nod to the brand’s Italian inspiration.
“Guests will find a fresh, energizing ambiance and a great food and beverage lineup at our new restaurant,” says Allan Gantes, CEO. “We have invested in creating a more vibrant environment and modernized our look while staying true to our Italian roots. It reflects the direction we see for the brand moving forward.”
As part of the brand’s evolution, the restaurant’s enhanced beverage lineup features craft cocktails, wines, 20 draft beers, and a new happy hour program. Guests can continue to enjoy the traditional Italian dishes that are core to the Johnny Carino’s menu, including Johnny’s Fresh Baked Lasagna, handcrafted pizzas, Spicy Shrimp and Chicken, Grilled Chicken Bowtie Festival, Tiramisu, and other signature favorites.
“This prototype represents a meaningful evolution for the brand,” says J.D. Gantes Jr., head of marketing. “At the same time, we are staying true to the core Italian favorites that have defined Johnny Carino’s for nearly 30 years.”
Founded in 1997, Johnny Carino’s peaked at more than 170 locations across 30 states in the mid-2000s but filed for bankruptcy in 2014 and 2016. Today, the chain operates more than 20 restaurants across 10 states.
