The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

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  • Olive Garden, located on Robert C Byrd Drive, is set to open Oct. 1. Rick Barbero

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September 23, 2012

Olive a sudden

Opening set for October

By Wendy Holdren Register-Herald Reporter

Beckley residents will soon have the taste of Italy right in their own backyard. Olive Garden, located at 4289 Robert C Byrd Drive, will open Oct. 1 at 11 a.m. and promises to provide every guest with a genuine Italian dining experience.

The 7,441-square-foot restaurant, modeled like a traditional farmhouse in Tuscany, holds up to 246 guests and has created 170 new jobs for the area.

The exterior of the restaurant is made of rustic stone and the interior features Italian imports to reflect Olive Garden’s Italian inspiration.

The bar top is crafted from lava stone and hand-painted by artisans in Italy. Windows and dining seats also have vibrant imported fabrics. Italian decor can be found from ceiling to floor.

The restaurant also boasts several sustainable design elements, including recycled building materials, enlarged windows to increase natural light, low-water landscaping and energy-efficient equipment.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead the Beckley restaurant and a great team at Olive Garden,” said Heath Saunders, general manager. “In addition to our Italian specialties, including signature items like our homemade soups, garden fresh salads and warm, garlic breadsticks, the menu at the Beckley Olive Garden will feature limited-time offers like our Never Ending Pasta Bowl, which allows guests to order any pasta and sauce combination and receive unlimited refills.”

Saunders has been with Olive Garden for more than nine years, most recently as culinary manager in Danville, Va.

Olive Garden is accepting applications for employment. To be considered for an interview, apply online at www.olivegarden.com/careers.

— E-mail: wholdren@register-herald.com

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