Restaurant chain makes a comeback with 2 Ontario locations opening soon

A once well-known and popular family restaurant chain is making a comeback in Ontario.

Last summer, Recipe Restaurant Group International announced it acquired eight Olive Garden restaurants in Canada.

The casual Italian dining restaurant, known for its unlimited breadsticks, had locations across Ontario, but they closed in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The eight remaining locations are in Western Canada — in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

But now two new Olive Garden restaurants will open this summer in Ontario.

The first new Olive Garden restaurants will open at Vaughan Mills in Vaughan, followed by a second location in the Westboro neighbourhood of Ottawa, Recipe Restaurant Group International said. Both restaurants are currently in active development, with openings expected in summer 2026, the company said in a press release.

“With these upcoming openings, we’re taking an important step in expanding Olive Garden’s footprint into new Canadian markets,” said Frank Hennessey, chief executive officer of Recipe Restaurant Group. “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.”

Additional announcements regarding future restaurant openings and development milestones will be shared in the coming months as Olive Garden’s Canadian expansion continues, the company said.

Olive Garden opened its first location in Florida in 1982. The family-friendly dining experience includes freshly baked breadsticks, garden salad, soups and pasta.

Recipe Restaurant Group International 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.

Lead photo: Olive Garden