CRESTVIEW HILLS — City officials here hope a proposed Carrabba's Italian Grill will prove to be as hot as Panera Bread.

        “Anything that would help revitalize the (Crestview Hills) mall and bring people in like Panera has would be a worthwhile thing,” said Richard Lonergan, a member of the Crestview Hills economic development committee.

        This week, that committee expressed its support for construction of a Carrabba's Italian Grill in front of the Crestview Hills Mall, City Administrator Dan Groth said. Developers now must reach agreement with mall management to lease or purchase the site, file a formal application to build a restaurant and provide details on the project to the city's board of adjustment.

        Carrabba's management in Tampa, Fla., confirmed that the company had talked to Crestview Hills officials, but declined further comment.

        If the project receives the necessary approvals, the freestanding restaurant would be built across from Panera Bread at the Dixie Highway entrance to Crestview Hills Mall, Mr. Groth said.

        Founded in Houston, Texas in 1986, Carrabba's Italian Grill is a subsidiary of Outback Steakhouse Inc. The restaurant is known for its northern Italian cuisine and fine Italian and California wines. Many of the chain's 75 restaurants also feature lush rooftop gardens.

P&G's global profits on rise
Springboro students win Stock Market Game
Undaunted, bank opens new branch
Beechmont Mall redevelopment will take time
French-American council achieves associate status
New Power services may no longer be option in Cincinnati
Restaurant would be welcome
Andersen partner discounts shredding
Greenspan has advice for banks
S&P drops WorldCom rating to junk status
Stanley reincorporation re-vote
Wednesday stock rally proves a short ride
Wholesale prices tumble
HIGGINS: Personal Finance
Rate report
Business Digest
Tristate Summary
What's the Buzz?