Good things come in threes and Ontario’s latest pasta destination is no exception.
Italian-inspired restaurant Olive Garden has announced another opening, marking the third confirmed location in the brand’s highly anticipated return to the province.
Recipe Restaurant Group International (Recipe), Canada’s largest full-service restaurant company, recently unveiled plans for the expansion, with its newest eatery coming to Ajax.
The announcement follows previously confirmed Olive Garden locations at Vaughan Mills and in Ottawa.
It also comes after Recipe’s acquisition of all eight existing Olive Garden restaurants in Western Canada, along with the execution of a national development agreement with Darden Restaurants Inc.
“It’s an exciting time for Olive Garden in Canada,” said Frank Hennessey, chief executive officer of Recipe.
“Each new location is a meaningful step in our national expansion, bringing the Olive Garden experience to more communities across the country.”
Here’s what to know about the new Ajax opening and the other upcoming Olive Garden restaurants coming to Ontario.
Ontario Olive Garden Restaurants
In Ajax, details regarding construction timelines and an anticipated opening date are expected to be shared as development progresses.
At Vaughan Mills and in the Westboro neighbourhood of Ottawa, both restaurants are expected to open this summer.
“We’re taking a thoughtful approach to growth as we bring the Olive Garden brand to more Canadians,” said Yianni Fountas, chief operating officer of Olive Garden Canada.
“Following Vaughan Mills and Westboro, Ajax stands out as a strong market with clear demand, making it a natural next step in our GTA growth strategy.”
Recipe Restaurant Group’s plan for Canadian expansion
With more locations in “various stages of planning as Recipe continues to build a long-term, sustainable development pipeline across the country,” the initial launches mark an important milestone in growing Olive Garden’s presence beyond Western Canada, the company said.
“With these upcoming openings, we’re taking an important step in expanding Olive Garden’s footprint into new Canadian markets,” said Hennessey.
“This expansion reflects our confidence in the brand, the strength of our partnership with Darden, and our ability to execute thoughtfully and strategically across Canada.”
Throughout the country, along with its international presence in the United States and the Middle East, Recipe has nearly 1,100 restaurants. Its portfolio of brands includes Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, Montana’s, Kelsey’s Original Roadhouse, New York Fries, The Burger’s Priest, The Pickle Barrel, and, of course, Olive Garden.
Known for its never-ending servings of baked bread sticks and salad, Olive Gardens has been around since 1982.
And according to Fountas, “these new restaurants will welcome guests like family, delivering the consistency and value that guests expect from Olive Garden, while establishing a strong foundation for the brand’s continued growth in Canada.”
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