Recipe Unlimited has closed on the purchase of the eight Olive Garden restaurants in Canada from their U.S. parent company, Darden Restaurants Inc. The announcement, made on July 14, 2025, at 6:12 PM and updated shortly after at 7:11 PM, marks a significant milestone for the Vaughan, Ontario-based company, which operates over 1,200 restaurant locations across the country.
The strategic acquisition adds to Recipe Unlimited’s portfolio with brands like the Swiss Chalet, East Side Mario’s and the Pickle Barrel. This expansion strategically places the company to take advantage of the growth potential of the Olive Garden brand in the high-growth Canadian market. Recipe Unlimited Frank Hennessey, the CEO of Recipe Unlimited, explained his bullish vision for Olive Garden’s expansion into Canada. He stressed that the company pinpoints big opportunities for growth.
Strategic Development Agreement
The purchase is accompanied by a well-crafted development agreement. This landmark agreement provides Recipe Unlimited with exclusive rights to develop and operate new Olive Garden restaurants throughout the country. This collaboration gives Recipe Unlimited the ability to leverage its extensive expertise in operating diverse dining concepts. As such, they’ll beef up the award-winning Olive Garden brand’s footprint around the country.
With an eye on profitable growth, Recipe Unlimited hopes to bring the Olive Garden’s famous Italian food, family-style dining, and warm hospitality to more people. The company will utilize its robust infrastructure and extensive knowledge of the restaurant space to enhance performance at these new locations. Simultaneously, it will strategically look for new opportunities to grow.
Financial Aspects and Future Plans
The financial terms of the deal have not been released publicly. This acquisition is big news for other reasons. It has huge implications for furthering the missions of both companies. Darden Companies Inc. – one of the largest U.S. operators of full-service restaurants. Now, it has taken a very opportunistic step by divesting its Canadian OG stores, allowing Canada’s Recipe Unlimited to seize this attractive market opportunity.
Recipe Unlimited couldn’t be more excited to propel our growth strategy into the future with this acquisition. Their intention is to weave Olive Garden’s options into their existing menu. It’s one more indication that the company is poised to continue improving customer experience and increasing operational efficiency at its new stores. Simultaneously, it will look for new site locations for future Olive Garden outposts.
Recipe Unlimited’s Vision
Recipe Unlimited’s leadership is dedicated to ensuring the highest level of quality and service—founding principles at Olive Garden—are upheld. With Frank Hennessey’s leadership, the company is positioned to make a smooth transition. At the eight current sites, it will assume operations. The last thing we want is to lose the customers we already have. Simultaneously, we were looking to attract new customers by emphasizing Olive Garden’s most popular menu selections and dining experience.
