Olive Garden debuts on Newport Highway

Olive Garden lovers don’t have to drive downtown for the restaurant’s Italian fare.

The new Olive Garden at 9780 N. Newport Highway is open. The restaurant seats almost 250 people and 165 servers were hired.

It also debuts the new Tuscan farmhouse design for Olive Garden restaurants. The style was inspired by Olive Garden’s Riserva di Fizzano restaurant in Tuscany, Italy, and features a rustic stone exterior along with exposed wood beams, terra cotta tile and stone and wood accents inside, according to a news release.

The Olive Garden is part of the Darden Family of restaurants, which includes Red Lobster and four other chains. The company oversees more than 700 restaurants, 87,000 employees and $3.3 billion in annual sales.

The Olive Garden on Newport Highway is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Reach the restaurant at (509) 466-1230.

There are menus, recipes and cooking videos online at www.olivegarden.com.

December Farmers Market on Saturday

The Kootenai County Farmers Market is helping customers deck the halls.

It will host a December Farmers Market on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Building 1 at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.

Evergreens, poinsettias, jams, jellies, pickles, herbs, local cider, honey and winter vegetables will be available. More than 45 vendors are expected.

For more information, call (208) 772-2290 or go to www.kootenaicountyfarmersmarket.com.