According to recent reporting, Oviedo will get a classic Italian-American chain.
The Orlando-based Darden Restaurants Inc. has announced it will soon bring its flagship Olive Garden brand to the city for the first time, taking over the former Romano’s Macaroni Grill site at 7123 Red Bug Lake Road.
“A recent building permit shows Olive Garden will demolish the existing 6,328-square-foot structure and replace it with a larger restaurant, adding roughly 1,000-1,500 square feet,” the Business Journal states.
“The 2025 market value of this property is about $2.3 million, and the permit indicates part of the replacement construction cost to be $1 million.”
The location will be Olive Garden’s second in Seminole County, with one other at the Sanford Towne Center.
CEO Rick Cardenas recently stated that Darden plans to open 60-65 eateries in fiscal 2026, including roughly 20 new Olive Garden restaurants.
Darden’s portfolio also includes LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Capital Grille, Chuy’s, Eddie V’s and Season 52.
No opening date has been announced.
