Recipe Unlimited has purchased all eight Olive Garden Canada locations and secured rights to open more outlets nationwide under a new development agreement.
Recipe Unlimited Buys Olive Garden Canada & Eyes Major Expansion
Recipe Unlimited, Canada’s largest full-service restaurant company, has officially acquired all eight Olive Garden locations across Canada from Darden Restaurants and sealed a national development agreement to expand the brand nationwide.
The current Canadian Olive Garden restaurants span British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, offering Recipe a strong foothold to scale the Italian-American dining concept. With exclusive rights secured through the new agreement, Recipe plans to open additional Olive Garden locations in key Canadian markets.
CEO Frank Hennessey hailed the move as a perfect complement to the company’s growth strategy:
“Olive Garden is a brand with a strong legacy of success and a loyal following, and we see immense potential for growth across Canada.”
The deal was widely reported, including coverage by Yahoo Finance Canada and industry outlets, which confirmed the acquisition and expansion intentions.
Why This Matters
Strategic portfolio fit: Recipe Unlimited—whose brands include Swiss Chalet, The Keg, East Side Mario’s, and more—adds Olive Garden to its diverse dining lineup, reinforcing its leadership in the casual dining space.
Nationwide growth potential: With eight locations now under its management and exclusive development rights, Recipe has laid the groundwork for a major Canadian rollout.
Operational advantage: Recipe’s deep experience in supply chains, marketing, and restaurant operations positions Olive Garden for smoother scaling and localized brand adaptation.
What’s Next
Existing Olive Garden locations will be integrated into Recipe’s operational systems immediately.
Further announcements will follow detailing new locations as development plans move forward over the coming months.
Darden Restaurants will continue to partner with Recipe to guide strategic growth in the Canadian market.
Final Take
Recipe Unlimited’s takeover of Olive Garden Canada signals a decisive expansion in its casual dining empire. As the brand gears up for national growth, Canadians can expect more pasta, breadsticks, and family-style Italian dining to come.
Disclaimer
Please note that the information in this blog is for general guidance only and may not always be up to date or accurate. We recommend double-checking details directly with local cities, businesses, or official sources before making any plans or acting on the information.
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