On Monday, October 26, the Pleasant Prairie Plan Commission considered and approved Site and Operational Plans presented by Darden Restaurants, Inc, for a new Olive Garden restaurant to be located south of Highway 50 in the Prairie Ridge development. The developer of the Prairie Ridge property also presented a Certified Survey Map, related to the request, for consideration at the same meeting, which will be further considered by the Village Board on Monday, November 2. Plans call for a 7,441 square foot Olive Garden restaurant to be located on 77th Street in the Prairie Ridge development, on a 2.2-acre parcel immediately to the west of Famous Dave’s.

Pending approval of the Certified Survey Map by the Village Board, construction could begin as early as this year. Approval of the Certified Survey Map is a required step in the sale of the property to Darden Restaurants. One condition of approval of the Certified Survey Map is for the developer to enrich, or add additional funds to, the letter of credit for the development. The letter of credit ensures adequate funds for completion of public improvements serving the site, more specifically repair and final paving of the roadways. The new restaurant will accommodate 246 patrons and will employ 80 full- and part-time staff members. “We’re very pleased that the Olive Garden has considered the Prairie Ridge development,” commented Tom Shircel, Assistant Planner/Assistant Zoning Administrator for Pleasant Prairie. “It’s an excellent compliment to the existing development in the community.”