Popular family restaurant chain plans to expand in Canada

A popular family restaurant is under new ownership with plans to expand in Canada.

The eight Olive Garden restaurants in Canada have been acquired by Recipe Unlimited from Darden Restaurants, Inc., Recipe Unlimited Corp. announced this week.

The casual Italian dining restaurant, known for its unlimited breadsticks, opened its first location in Florida in 1982. While there were once Olive Garden restaurants in the Greater Toronto Area, the eight locations are now in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Recipe Unlimited has entered into a development agreement with Darden to “significantly expand the Olive Garden brand across Canada,” the company said in the announcement. 

The agreement also grants Recipe Unlimited the exclusive rights to develop and operate new Olive Garden restaurants throughout Canada. The partnership “underscores Recipe’s commitment to growth and diversification, bringing Olive Garden’s beloved Italian-inspired cuisine and family-friendly dining experience to more communities nationwide.”

Recipe Unlimited owns several restaurant chains in Canada including Swiss Chalet, East Side Mario’s and the Pickle Barrel.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Olive Garden into the Recipe family,” said Frank Hennessey, CEO of Recipe Unlimited. “Olive Garden is a brand with a strong legacy of success and a loyal following, and we see immense potential for growth across Canada. This acquisition and subsequent development agreement align perfectly with our strategy to expand our presence in the casual dining segment with leading brands that resonate with Canadian consumers.”

More information on the timing of new locations will be announced at a later date.