Olive Garden, the popular American restaurant chain known for its endless breadsticks and salad, is making its debut in Ottawa this summer. This new location is part of a broader expansion strategy in Canada by Recipe Restaurant Group International.
Details of the Ottawa Opening
The Ottawa Olive Garden will be situated in the Westboro neighborhood. This opening coincides with another new location set to launch in Vaughan, Ontario. Frank Hennessey, CEO of Recipe Restaurant Group, expressed excitement about these new ventures.
Expansion Strategy
In July 2025, Recipe Restaurant Group acquired Olive Garden’s eight western Canadian locations from Darden Restaurants. The company aims to capitalize on this acquisition by expanding Olive Garden’s presence in Canada.
- Ottawa location: Westboro neighborhood
- Vaughan, Ontario: Another location opening
- Acquisition date: July 2025
- Acquisition by: Recipe Restaurant Group International
Looking Forward
According to Yianni Fountas, the COO of Olive Garden Canada, these new restaurants will prioritize guest experience and operational efficiency. The initiative is designed to deliver the valued consistency that Olive Garden patrons expect.
About Recipe Restaurant Group International
Recipe Restaurant Group is recognized as Canada’s largest full-service restaurant company, boasting nearly 1,100 locations across the nation. Other popular chains under this group include Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, and East Side Mario’s.
As the brand prepares for these exciting openings, more announcements regarding additional locations across Canada are anticipated in the coming months.
