Olive Garden Possibly Making a Splash in Hawaii

Olive Garden may soon wash ashore Hawai‘i's dining scene. The national restaurant chain has been "seriously" eyeing out the islands as its next location, according to Pacific Business News. More specifically, it is looking at West O‘ahu and Honolulu.

This may not be a huge deal for everyone. I've heard mixed reviews by friends who live on the mainland, claiming it's a so-so eatery, while others, like me, love the bottomless bread baskets and salads they offer. It's become somewhat of a novelty to eat at Olive Garden when we're on the mainland, as we always manage to work it into our trip's itinerary and – therefore – our stomachs.

According to the PBN article, Olive Garden plans to open both Hawai‘i locations at the same time, as opposed to just one at a time. I'm assuming the reported "West O‘ahu" site would be in Kapolei, as that's become a major hot spot for national chains, like Target. But no firm details just yet. The Honolulu site would be much closer for visitors staying in Waikīkī.

I could see Olive Garden doing really well in Hawai‘i. If it's anything like The Cheesecake Factory in Waikīkī, they'll be booming with business during all hours of the day. The Cheesecake Factory had once been a non-Hawai‘i business that us, Hawai‘i people, salivated over. That's until it opened up a location in Waikīkī several years ago. Today, it seems the hype for their food and specialty cheesecakes has not yet rubbed off, as it's always packed with hungry Hawai‘i customers.

Until we hear more about Olive Garden's plans, I'll continue to drool over the thought of buttery bread baskets and tasty homestyle Italian dishes…

Photo Courtesy: Olive Garden Facebook Fanpage

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

Published by Bruce Fisher

Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.

Entry Filed under: Dining

March 19th, 2013