Eat News Ontario Toronto & GTA
New restaurant opening in Vaughan Mills, with another planned for Ottawa by summer
Jan 18, 2026 •
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This Monday, June 27, 2016, photo shows an Olive Garden restaurant, a Darden brand, in Methuen, Mass. Olive Garden is returning to Ontario with one of two new locations set for Vaughan Mills in Vaughan, Ont. Photo by Elise Amendola /AP Photo
Get ready to celebrate: Olive Garden is making its way back to the GTA.
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Recipe Restaurant Group International announced that they are moving forward with plans to bring back this beloved Italian chain in Canada, starting with a location at Vaughan Mills as well as another spot in Ottawa.
Both locations – currently under “active development,” as stated in a news release Thursday — are anticipated to open this summer.
“With these upcoming openings, we’re taking an important step in expanding Olive Garden’s footprint into new Canadian markets,” said Frank Hennessey, CEO of Vaughan-based Recipe Restaurant Group.
“This expansion reflects our confidence in the brand, the strength of our partnership with Darden (Restaurants Inc., which owns Olive Garden in the U. S.), and our ability to execute thoughtfully and strategically across Canada.”
Western Canadian franchises acquired last July
Recipe Restaurants Group – which also owns brands like Swiss Chalet and Harvey’s – bought eight Olive Garden franchises located in Western Canada from Darden back in July 2025 along with exclusive rights for future developments here.
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The announcement back then confirmed Recipe’s belief that there’s “large growth potential” for this popular chain known for its breadsticks while stating that they plan more restaurants currently being “various stages of planning.” They aim to build a sustainable development pipeline throughout Canada.”
More updates are expected soon. “Supported by our skilled operational teams these new restaurants will greet guests like family while delivering both consistency and value that visitors expect from Olive Garden; laying down strong roots for ongoing growth within Canada,” said Yianni Fountas who is chief operating officer at Olive Garden Canada.
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The brand left Ontario during ’90s
Darden first introduced Olive Garden into Ontario during ‘90s but closed all eleven outlets before decade’s end reported by Ottawa Business Journal.
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A real estate vice-president at CBRE thinks there’s “pent-up nostalgia along with demand for establishments like these,” along with Olive Garden focusing heavily on value should lead them towards success within Eastern Canada.“There’s an extensive market available within Eastern parts where population levels remain substantial having general awareness about what exactly kind experience awaits them regarding dining options,” Matthew Jackson commented previously noted through Ottawa Business Journal.
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