Lifestyle
Recipe Restaurant Group International Announces Next Phase of Olive Garden Expansion in Canada
Recipe Restaurant Group International ("Recipe") today announced the next phase of its national expansion of the Olive Garden brand in Canada, following the acquisition of all eight existing Canadian restaurants in Western Canada and the execution of a national development agreement with Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: DRI).
About this update from Darden Restaurants, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"VAUGHAN, ON, Jan. 15, 2026 /CNW/ - Recipe Restaurant Group International ("Recipe") today announced the next phase of its national expansion of the Olive Garden brand in Canada, following the acquisition of all eight existing Canadian restaurants in Western Canada and the execution of a national development agreement with Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: DRI).","length":376,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"As part of its growth strategy, Recipe confirmed that the first new Olive Garden restaurants under its operational control will open at Vaughan Mills in Vaughan, Ontario, followed by a second location in the Westboro neighbourhood of Ottawa, Ontario. Both restaurants are currently in active development, with openings expected in summer 2026.","length":343,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"These locations represent the first new openings under Recipe's expanded national mandate and mark an important milestone in growing Olive Garden's presence beyond Western Canada. Additional locations are in various stages of planning as Recipe continues to build a long-term, sustainable development pipeline across the country.","length":337,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":""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."","length":402,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Yianni Fountas, Chief Operating Officer, Olive Garden Canada at Recipe Restaurant Group, added, "Backed by the expertise of our operational teams, these new restaurants will welcome guests like family, delivering the consistency and value that guests expect from Olive Garden, while establishing a strong foundation for the brand's continued growth in Canada."","length":374,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Additional announcements regarding future restaurant openings and development milestones will be shared in the coming months as Olive Garden's Canadian expansion continues.","length":176,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"About Olive GardenWhen You...