If you’ve driven down Missouri Boulevard lately, you might’ve done a double take – and no, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you.
“The momentum around the community looking for an Olive Garden has been going on for probably close to a decade, if not longer,” explained Garry Plummer, President of the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce. (KRCG)
Many thought the day may never come, but construction is moving full speed ahead on Jefferson City’s long-awaited Olive Garden, with plans to open its doors this summer.
In addition to the Olive Garden opening, Jefferson City residents will also be welcoming a Panda Express this summer.
For years, it’s been the running joke across the city: “Will we ever get one?”
Now, that punchline is finally turning into a reality.
KRCG spoke with the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce and local residents to get a closer look at the project and to find out if the promise of endless breadsticks and salad is really worth all the anticipation.
“The momentum around the community looking for an Olive Garden has been going on for probably close to a decade, if not longer,” explained Garry Plummer, President of the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce.
For years, it’s been more than just a request; it’s been a running community wish.
One that some thought might never actually happen.
There’s light at the end of the tunnel now for those doubters.
“Never thought it would come true, but here we are,” said Britani Zigan, a Jefferson City Resident.
What’s taking shape along Missouri Boulevard is part of a much bigger wave of development, one that’s been years in the making.
Plummer says many of these projects were on the table long before groundbreaking, but the pandemic put plans on pause.
“Coming out of the pandemic, that’s part of the reason why things are on the uptick, and we are excited about that here in Jefferson City,” Plummer said.
That pent-up demand is becoming reality, with not one but two new restaurants expected to open their doors by summer: Olive Garden and Panda Express.
“We depend a lot on our relationship with the commercial real estate community,” Plummer said.
But as excitement builds, so does the big question — will it live up to the hype?
For some, the answer is an easy yes.
“I am super excited. Growing up, me and my biddies went to Olive Garden all the time,” said Frank Goehringer, a resident.
Others are already looking beyond the breadsticks, raising concerns about what this could mean for traffic along one of the city’s busiest intersections.
Where Missouri Boulevard and Highway 50 meet.
“It’s going to cause some traffic jams, but I just feel like we’ll go from there if it does,” said Zigan.
And while new restaurants are welcome, some say they’re still hoping this is just the beginning of more development.
Especially options for families and kids.
“There is really not much for us to do here in Jefferson City; we always either travel to Columbia or the Lake, so I would like to see some – you know things for the kids to do around here, I think that would be beneficial for sure,” Zigan added.
The chamber of commerce also notes other recent developments in Jefferson City, such as the $153 million Missouri Health Laboratory.
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