Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
The Mission Economic Development Corporation recently celebrated the grand opening of the first Olive Garden in Mission, Texas. The event featured notable guests such as Mission Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza, Mission Councilwoman Marissa Gerlach, Adrianne Ellie Gomez from Senator Ted Cruz’s office, and Laura Mariano from Rep. Sergio Muñoz’s office. Teclo Garcia, CEO of Mission EDC, praised the collaboration with Darden Restaurants, the parent company of Olive Garden, for their support and partnership and emphasized the importance of community involvement in bringing this project to fruition. A significant highlight of the event was Olive Garden’s generous $25,000 donation to the local food bank.
We spoke exclusively with Carlos Santos, the general manager of the new Olive Garden, to gain insights into his career and the new restaurant. Santos, a Texas A&M International University graduate, has dedicated 14 years to Olive Garden and has managed several locations within the chain.
Santos began his career with Olive Garden in Laredo, Texas. He has since managed locations in the Rio Grande Valley, including North 10th Street in McAllen, and a six-year tenure in Weslaco. His extensive experience and dedication have been instrumental in his role as general manager of the new Mission location.
The new Olive Garden spans approximately 7,400 square feet and can accommodate up to 250 guests. It features an open design concept that eliminates walls and barriers to foster a family-friendly environment. Santos emphasized that this layout aligns with Olive Garden’s commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all guests.
To run this operation, Santos has assembled a team of approximately 165 employees, including both front-of-house and kitchen staff. Recognizing the importance of flexibility, Santos ensures that team members, especially those attending college or holding second jobs, have schedules that accommodate their needs. This approach reflects Santos’ own experience with the company, which supported him through his education and career growth.
Santos expressed his excitement about the new Olive Garden’s impact on the community, noting the positive response from residents. The restaurant not only offers a new dining option but also provides significant job opportunities, keeping employment local and reducing the need for residents to seek work outside the city.
The opening of the Olive Garden in Mission marks a significant milestone for the company and the community. Santos looks forward to serving the Mission’s people and contributing to the city’s growth. His dedication to providing exceptional dining experiences and supporting his team exemplifies the Olive Garden essence: “When you’re here, you’re family.”
Darden Restaurants, known for its portfolio of successful full-service dining brands such as LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, and Ruth’s Chris Steak House, operates over 1,900 restaurants and employs 190,000 team members. Together, they create memorable experiences for more than 410 million guests annually across North America.
With leaders like Carlos Santos, the restaurant is poised to become a beloved fixture in Mission, offering delicious food, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
