Olive Garden, the popular Italian-inspired dining chain, is set to open a new restaurant in Ajax, Ontario. This location marks the third confirmed establishment as part of Olive Garden’s expansion in Canada, managed by Recipe Restaurant Group International. The announcement follows the earlier confirmation of openings at Vaughan Mills in Vaughan and in the Westboro neighborhood of Ottawa.
While construction timelines and an anticipated opening date for the Ajax location have not yet been disclosed, customers can look forward to Olive Garden’s extensive menu featuring pasta dishes, soups, salads, and their renowned freshly baked breadsticks. “It’s an exciting time for Olive Garden in Canada,” said Frank Hennessey, Chief Executive Officer of Recipe Restaurant Group, in a press release. “Each new location is a meaningful step in our national expansion, bringing the Olive Garden experience to more communities across the country.”
Significant Growth in Eastern Canada
This development builds on previous reports from What Now Toronto, which initially highlighted Olive Garden’s plans for the Vaughan Mills location as part of Recipe’s broader growth strategy in Ontario. The Vaughan restaurant is currently expected to open in Summer 2026. Together, the Vaughan, Westboro, and Ajax establishments represent a notable expansion of Olive Garden’s footprint in Eastern Canada.
Recipe has indicated that additional locations are in various stages of planning across the country. This expansion follows Recipe Restaurant Group International’s acquisition of Olive Garden’s existing locations in Western Canada, alongside a national development agreement with Darden Restaurants, Inc., Olive Garden’s parent company. Olive Garden operates more than 920 restaurants worldwide and was founded in 1982. Recipe Restaurant Group oversees nearly 1,100 restaurants across Canada, with additional establishments in the United States and the Middle East.
Identifying Promising Markets
The decision to open in Ajax stems from the community’s potential, identified as a strong market within the Greater Toronto Area. The area boasts a growing population and established retail corridors that support full-service dining concepts. This makes it an ideal location for Olive Garden as the brand continues to broaden its reach beyond its existing Canadian operations.
As Olive Garden prepares to make its mark in Ajax, the expansion serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to growth in Canada. With a focus on delivering a family-friendly dining experience, Olive Garden aims to enrich the culinary landscape of the communities it serves.
