TITLE: Congratulating Johnny Carrabba III on his receipt of the 2023 Buck N' Ball Award from the Bryan Museum.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Johnny Carrabba III on his receipt of the 2023 Buck N' Ball Award from the Bryan Museum.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Houston restaurateur Johnny Carrabba III has been presented with the 2023 Buck N' Ball Award by the Bryan Museum in Galveston; and WHEREAS, Celebrating the contributions made by Italian Americans to the history of the Lone Star State, this accolade recognizes individuals with roots in the American West who have demonstrated exceptional resolve in the course of distinguished careers; and WHEREAS, Johnny Carrabba is descended from Italian immigrants, his maternal and paternal great-grandparents, who left impoverished Sicily in the 1800s and traveled to the U.S. via cargo ship; they settled in the Galveston area, and he was born in Houston, where his parents, Rosie Carrabba and John Carrabba Jr., owned a grocery store in the East End neighborhood; he spent much of his youth in Carrabba's Friendly Grocery and attended St. Thomas High School; and WHEREAS, When Mr. Carrabba was 27 years old, his uncle, Damian Mandola, owner of Damian's Cucina Italiana in Houston, approached him with the idea of founding a restaurant together; the original Carrabba's opened on Kirby Drive in 1986, and a second location followed just two years later; in 1993, industry powerhouse Outback Steakhouse came calling, and a joint venture partnership resulted in the establishment of more than 250 Carrabba's Italian Grill restaurants all across the country; and WHEREAS, Today, Mr. Carrabba and his family continue to own and operate their first two restaurants, which employ more than 200 people, among them many longtime staff members; in 2012, the family launched a new fast-casual concept, Mia's Table, which has since expanded to five more locations; another venture, Grace's, is named after Mr. Carrabba's grandmother, Grace Mandola; and WHEREAS, Mr. Carrabba credits his success to the values his family instilled, including discipline, hard work, courtesy, and teamwork; he gives back to the community in numerous ways, and he has been especially supportive of charitable organizations benefiting children; and WHEREAS, Entrepreneurship has played a vital role in shaping the history of the Lone Star State, and through his vision, determination, and commitment to excellence, Johnny Carrabba has made noteworthy contributions to a proud tradition; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Johnny Carrabba III on his receipt of the 2023 Buck N' Ball Award from the Bryan Museum and that he be extended sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Carrabba as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Leo-Wilson Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 947 was adopted by the House on April 14, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House