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Vincent Mandola and his wife Mary sit inside his restaurant, Grappino di Nino, which is one of the few bars in Houston serving Grappa, a strong Italian brandy, on Tuesday September 14, 2010 in Houston.
Vincent Mandola and his wife Mary sit inside his restaurant, Grappino di Nino, which is one of the few bars in Houston serving Grappa, a strong Italian brandy, on Tuesday September 14, 2010 in Houston.
Photo: Michael Paulsen, Chronicle
Vincent Mandola and his wife Mary sit inside his restaurant, Grappino di Nino, which is one of the few bars in Houston serving Grappa, a strong Italian brandy, on Tuesday September 14, 2010 in Houston.
Vincent Mandola and his wife Mary sit inside his restaurant, Grappino di Nino, which is one of the few bars in Houston serving Grappa, a strong Italian brandy, on Tuesday September 14, 2010 in Houston.
Photo: Michael Paulsen, Chronicle
Vincent “Bubba” Mandola, part of a dynasty of Houston family restaurants, died of heart failure on Sunday after fighting COVID-19, his family announced on social media.
Mandola, whose restaurants include Nino’s, Vincent’s, Grappino di Nino, and Pronto Cucino, pioneered the local restaurant industry.
Her nephew, Johnny Carrabba, who is also a restaurateur (Carraba’s, Mia’s Table, Grace’s) said his uncle was an inspiration.
“I am fortunate to have worked with him, but I was luckier to be his nephew,” said Carrabba. “I learned the restaurant business from him, but I learned a lot more about how to be a gentleman and a hard worker.”
Posted by Nino’s, Vincent’s and Grappino di Nino on Sunday July 19, 2020
Carrabba said that although Vincent Mandola had a strong work ethic, he always made time for his family.
“A family function was never missed,” Carrabba said. “I had six grandchildren. He never missed his school events. I think it’s more of a tribute to him than anything else. “
Johnny Mandola, cousin of Vincent Mandola and general manager of Damian’s Cucina Italiana in Midtown, echoed Carrabba’s sentiments.
“Our family has been texting with memories and stories about the great guy he was. He loved his daughters, Vinceanne and Dana Mandola, ”said Johnny Mandola.
Johnny Mandola said that even at 77, his cousin was still involved in the operation of his restaurants.
“I respected him. I could always call him to ask questions, ”said Johnny Mandola. “He always had in mind what to do next in the industry. It paved the way for how to run a restaurant: customer service, great food, and hard work. ”
In their social media post, the Mandolas said Vincent Mandola “dedicated his life to his family and was a devoted husband and an amazing father and father. His restaurants were an extension of his home and he welcomed each guest with warmth and attention, like famiglia (family) “.
The family also asked for privacy during this time, along with continued prayers.
“He had the best sense of humor of anyone I have ever met. It is a great loss for our family, ”said Carrabba. “I don’t think you hear anyone say a negative word about my uncle. He was a man of his word.
