Austin, Texas — Johnny Carino’s, an Italian casual-dining brand founded in 1997, has unveiled its new prototype restaurant. The updated restaurant design introduces a modernized Italian dining experience and is scheduled to open March 25, 2026, in Laredo, Texas.
The Laredo location serves as the brand’s next-generation restaurant, bringing a modern Italian dining experience to market with refreshed branding, design elements and an enhanced bar presence. The new concept reflects Johnny Carino’s strategic direction moving forward, emphasizing a polished everyday dining environment with greater focus on its beverage program and social bar atmosphere while remaining rooted in the traditional Italian dishes that have defined the brand for nearly 30 years.
“Guests will find a fresh, energizing ambiance and a great food and beverage lineup at our new restaurant,” says Allan Gantes, chief executive officer. “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.”
The approximately 6,000-square-foot restaurant features an open interior aesthetic with a “polished everyday” vibe. An expansive bar anchors the dining room with multiple televisions. The restaurant also includes an open kitchen, a private dining space perfect for hosting corporate and family events, and an outdoor patio with fire pits. A red Vespa scooter positioned prominently within the restaurant is a distinctive nod to the brand’s Italian inspiration.
“From updated branding and restaurant design to an enhanced cocktail program and new happy hour, 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 and based in Austin, Texas, Johnny Carino’s is an Italian casual-dining concept with locations in 10 states. For more information, visit www.carinos.com.
SOURCE: Johnny Carino’s