After years of rumors, speculation and just flat out wishing, Olive Garden is finally here!

“We are extremely excited because I understand that Valdosta has been wanting a Olive Garden for about ten years now,” said Theresa Strickland, General Manager of Olive Garden in Valdosta.

Due to this build up of anticipation, one can only hope for a crowd on opening day.

“We’re hoping to be able to have a great turnout,” said Strickland.

Olive Garden will officially open Monday, Jan. 23 at 4 p.m.

“We want to be busy from the time we open the doors at four o’clock until the time we close at ten o’clock,” said Strickland.

In preparation for what is sure to be a huge opening, Strickland has been extensively training her staff of 165.

“We have been doing full training for a week

 now,” said Strickland. “Tomorrow is our final day of training.”

According to Strickland, not only has this opening been a great experience for her, but it has also been a wonderful experience for her staff as well.

“The team is so excited,” said Strickland. “We had more turnout for applications with this Olive Garden versus any other Olive Garden ever.”

Olive Garden is part of the Darden Restaurant chain, which includes Red Lobster and Longhorn Steakhouse, and which was founded in Waycross, Ga. The Italian themed eatery is well known for its salad and breadsticks, as well as numerous pasta dishes. Chefs for the restaurant are sent to a culinary academy in Italy to learn cooking techniques in an authentic setting.

When and where

Olive Garden is located at 1315 North St. Augustine Rd. From Monday, Jan. 23 to Friday, Jan. 27, the restaurant will serve dinner only: Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. The restaurant will be open for lunch beginning Saturday, Jan. 28.  Lunch will be served starting at 11 a.m. every day.

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