New Olive Garden to Open in South Jacksonville

News Summary

Darden Restaurants Inc. has acquired land in Glen Kernan Park for a new Olive Garden, marking the area’s first in over a decade. The restaurant will be strategically located near a hotel and can accommodate 237 guests. This addition signifies a positive shift in South Jacksonville’s dining scene, promising to attract locals and visitors alike.

News Summary

Darden Restaurants Inc. has acquired land in Glen Kernan Park for a new Olive Garden, marking the area’s first in over a decade. The restaurant will be strategically located near a hotel and can accommodate 237 guests. This addition signifies a positive shift in South Jacksonville’s dining scene, promising to attract locals and visitors alike.

Exciting News for South Jacksonville: A New Olive Garden is Coming!

South Jacksonville is about to get a whole lot more delicious! Darden Restaurants Inc. has decided to sprinkle some olive oil on the local culinary scene by acquiring land for a brand-new Olive Garden. This is a big deal because it marks the _first Olive Garden in the area in over a decade_! So, get ready for unlimited breadsticks and wine because this Italian dining favorite is making its way to Glen Kernan Park.

The Scoop on the Property Deal

On January 31, Darden Restaurants shelled out a cool _2.7 million dollars_ for three lots totaling _1.83 acres_. The property, located at the bustling intersection of Butler and Hodges boulevards, was sold by the Joyce Development Group of Jacksonville through Glen Kernan Park LLC. This prime piece of real estate is set to host a brand new Olive Garden that will surely be a hit with locals.

Where Will This New Italian Eatery Be?

The new establishment will be situated alongside a shiny seven-story, _174-room Embassy Suites hotel_. Talk about a win-win situation for travelers looking for a tasty dinner close to their stay! The Olive Garden will have a robust seating capacity of _237 clients_, ensuring that families, friends, and food lovers can all come together to enjoy a delightful meal. More than just a restaurant, it’s going to be *the* spot to gather and feast.

More Exciting Details About the Olive Garden

According to documents filed with JEA, the Olive Garden will occupy _1.32 acres_ of the purchased land. This venue will be the fifth Olive Garden in the greater Jacksonville area, joining its siblings in Regency, Argyle, Avenues, and River City Marketplace. The previous Olive Gardens in Jacksonville were built between 1990 and 1991, with the last one opening its doors back in 2009, making this new addition all the more special!

Darden’s Expanding Empire

Darden Restaurants is no stranger to the restaurant industry. The company runs a diverse portfolio of restaurant brands, including *Red Lobster, Bahama Breeze, and Seasons 52*, but its star player is undoubtedly Olive Garden. In fact, Olive Garden accounts for a whopping _44% of Darden’s total sales_ and _45% of its restaurant locations_. That’s a testament to just how much people love those pasta dishes and fresh salads! As of May, Darden operates _2,031 restaurants_ across the country, making it a significant player in the dining arena.

A Culinary Comeback for Jacksonville

For South Jacksonville, the arrival of this Olive Garden is not just about satisfying cravings; it suggests a growing interest in expanding dining options for residents. With each new restaurant, the community becomes more vibrant and lively. Olive Garden fans in the area have been waiting long enough for a new venue, and now their patience is about to be rewarded.

Wrapping It Up

This new Olive Garden is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Italian cuisine that’s coming back to the local dining scene. So, whether you’re a fan of their hearty lasagna or just in it for those famous breadsticks, the folks in South Jacksonville have something sweet to look forward to! With construction on the horizon, keep an eye out and your forks ready because soon enough, it’ll be time to dig into a heaping plate of Italian goodness!

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Additional Resources

• JAX Daily Record: Darden Buys Almost 2 Acres in South Jacksonville for New Olive Garden
• Jacksonville.com: Red Lobster Bankruptcy – Florida Restaurants Open & Closed
• JAX Daily Record: Olive Garden Exploring Glen Kernan Park Location
• Google Search: Darden Restaurants
• Jacksonville.com: More Red Lobster Restaurants Could Close After Bankruptcy Filing
• Wikipedia: Olive Garden