Recipe Unlimited announces 3rd new Olive Garden location in Canada

Recipe Unlimited has announced the third new location in its Canadian expansion of the Olive Garden brand. 

The restaurant will open in Ajax, Ontario, bringing the brand’s Italian-inspired dining experience to a new community in Eastern Canada.

The company said the announcement builds on previously confirmed new locations at Vaughan Mills (Vaughan, Ontario) and in Westboro (Ottawa, Ontario), following Recipe’s acquisition of existing Western Canadian restaurants and a national development agreement with Darden Restaurants, Inc. 

Details regarding construction timelines and an anticipated opening date for the Ajax location will be shared as development progresses, it said.

“It’s an exciting time for Olive Garden in Canada,” said Frank Hennessey, Chief Executive Officer of Recipe Restaurant Group. “Each new location is a meaningful step in our national expansion, bringing the Olive Garden experience to more communities across the country.”

“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.”

The brand has more than 920 restaurants and employs more than 96,000 team members. It is a division of Darden restaurants. 

Recipe Restaurant Group International is Canada’s largest full-service restaurant company. Recipe has nearly 1,100 restaurants located across Canada, and an international presence in the United States and the Middle East. The company’s portfolio of brands includes Swiss Chalet, St-Hubert, Harvey’s, Montana’s, Olive Garden, New York Fries, Kelsey’s Original Roadhouse, East Side Mario’s, Original Joe’s, State & Main, Anejo, The Burger’s Priest, The Landing Group, Elephant & Castle, Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar, The Pickle Barrel, Blanco Cantina and Bier Markt.

More from Retail Insider:

• Recipe outlines next phase of Olive Garden expansion in Canada
• Recipe Restaurants Unlimited acquires Canadian Olive Garden locations, signs national expansion deal