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Highlands Today

Olive Garden Plans March 24 Opening

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By Gary Pinnell | Highlands Today

Published: February 13, 2008

SEBRING — It's finally official. Sebring's 246-seat Olive Garden restaurant will open March 24.
Applications for the crew of 165 waiters and cooks will be accepted in two weeks, said Mara Frazier, a spokeswoman.

Those interested in applying for a position with Olive Garden should apply in person at the restaurant between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., beginning Feb. 27, Frazier said.

Sue McCullough, a Sebring resident, has been named general manager of the new 7,441 square-foot restaurant, 1696 U.S. Highway 27 South.

"Sue is passionate about delighting guests with a genuine Italian dining experience," said Valerie Insignares, executive vice president of operations for Olive Garden. "Her track record of operational excellence makes her a great leader for our restaurant's service and culinary teams."

McCullough brings 20 years of restaurant experience. She has been with Olive Garden for more than eight years, most recently as culinary manager in Cherry Hill, N.J. She received a bachelor's degree in sociology and criminal justice and a secondary social studies teaching certificate from the University of Delaware in Newark.

Olive Garden always delivers and serves lunch to a charitable organization as a way of greeting its new community, Frazier said. They're in the process of identifying a charity now.

The restaurant will open at 4 p.m. through March 30, Frazier said. The next week, it will also begin serving lunch at 11 a.m.

Olive Garden owns 628 restaurants with 78,000 employees and $2.8 billion in annual sales. Olive Garden is a division of Darden Restaurants Inc. (NYSE:DRI), the world's largest casual dining company in sales and market share.

Darden also owns Red Lobster, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52. It has closed half of its Smokey Bones Barbeque & Grill restaurants.

More info: (863) 314-0350 or www.olivegarden.com.

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