Olive Garden, the Italian-inspired casual dining chain known for family-style meals and generous portions, is getting ready to open a new location in Vaughan at 1 Bass Pro Mills Drive.
The company’s new location will open at Vaughan Mills as part of the next phase of Olive Garden’s Canadian expansion, according to a press release from Recipe Restaurant Group International. The restaurant is currently in active development and is expected to open in Summer 2026. This opening follows Recipe’s acquisition of the brand’s existing Canadian locations in Western Canada and a national development agreement with Darden Restaurants, Inc. Customers can expect Olive Garden’s familiar menu of pasta dishes, soups, salads, and freshly baked breadsticks.
“With these upcoming openings, we’re taking an important step in expanding Olive Garden’s footprint into new Canadian markets,” Frank Hennessey, Chief Executive Officer of Recipe Restaurant Group, said in a press release. “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.”
The Vaughan Mills restaurant will be the first new Olive Garden to open in Ontario under Recipe’s expanded national mandate. It represents a key step in growing the brand’s footprint beyond Western Canada and into new markets. Recipe confirmed that additional locations are already in various stages of planning across the country. The Vaughan opening will help establish the foundation for a long-term development strategy in Canada.
Recipe Restaurant Group International is Canada’s largest full-service restaurant company, operating nearly 1,100 locations across a wide portfolio that includes Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, Montana’s, Kelsey’s, East Side Mario’s, and Olive Garden. Founded in 1982, Olive Garden has grown into a globally recognized brand focused on approachable Italian-inspired dishes served in a family-friendly setting, with menu staples such as pasta with house-made sauces, soups, salads, and breadsticks. This will be an excellent landing space for Olive Garden, considering Vaughan Mills’ strong retail traffic and regional draw. The location allows the brand to connect with both residents and mall visitors as Recipe continues to build out its national expansion strategy.
“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,” Yianni Fountas, Chief Operating Officer, Olive Garden Canada at Recipe Restaurant Group, said in a press release.
