Four-decade restaurant industry veteran ready for her next portion

An entry-level job at Taco Bell 40 years ago when Kelia Bazile was in high school — she made $3.35 an hour, if her memory serves — turned out to be a career-affirming gig. 

Now a hospitality lifer, Bazile has hit a career milestone: she was named president of casual Italian dining brand Carrabba’s in February. Overseeing 190 locations , Bazile was appointed to the post after over a decade with the brand's parent company, Tampa-based publicly traded Bloomin' Brands. With $3.95 billion in annual revenue, holdings under the Bloomin' umbrella include Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.