A restaurant shakeup is unfolding in Willow Grove, reports James Evenden for The Sun.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill has officially closed its Upper Moreland Township location, and now Texas Roadhouse is looking to step in. According to the township’s zoning hearing board agenda, the steakhouse chain submitted plans on February 12 to take over the former Carrabba’s site.
But this wouldn’t simply be a rebrand. Texas Roadhouse is proposing to demolish the existing building and construct a brand-new restaurant, along with site improvements. The plans are still awaiting local approval.
Carrabba’s parent company, Bloomin’ Brands, cited declining customer traffic and costly financial investments as reasons for the closure. The Willow Grove restaurant shut its doors on February 15 as part of a broader wave of nationwide closures.
Meanwhile, Texas Roadhouse is in expansion mode. The company has announced plans to open 35 new restaurants this year after adding 30 locations in 2025. Several new spots have already debuted in neighboring New Jersey.
If approved, the Willow Grove project would add another high-profile dining option to the busy commercial corridor near the Willow Grove Park Mall.
For now, township officials will review the proposal before any construction timeline is set.
Read more about the changing restaurant landscape in Willow Grove in The Sun.
