Olive Garden representatives visited Grand Forks' planning department this week with a list of questions pertaining to a potential new restaurant here, City Planner Brad Gengler said.
He characterized it as a "reconnaissance" mission and not necessarily a solid plan for expansion as far as he knows.
The location the representatives of the popular Italian restaurant chain is mulling the empty lot between Arby's and the Village Inn on 32nd Avenue South. That lot had once been considered home for Space Aliens, which has since opened at another location on 32nd Avvenue, and the International House of Pancakes.
The Herald placed a call to Olive Garden public relations to seek more information, but has not received a reply.
Olive Garden is owned by Orlando, Fla., based Darden Restaurants, which also owns Red Lobster and other casual dining brands. As of the end of May, there are 691 Olive Gardens in North America.
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Grand Forks has a Red Lobster, so Darden already has a presence in the local market.
Reach Tran at (701) 780-1248; (800) 477-6572, ext. 248; or send e-mail to ttran@gfherald.com .
