Olive Garden opens 4 p.m. today

Olive Garden will open in Carson City at 4 p.m. today.

The restaurant will be open for dinner only through Friday. Hours are 4-10 p.m. through Thursday and 4-11 p..m. on Friday.

Starting Saturday, the restaurant opens for lunch at 11 a.m.

The restaurant, located at 4253 S. Carson St. will create 165 jobs, according to the company.

"Carson City is a growing community rich in history making it the ideal location for the newest member of Olive Garden's family of local restaurants," said Dan Kiernan, executive vice president of operations for Olive Garden.

The 7,441-square-foot restaurant seats 246 people.

The restaurant will feature a number of sustainable design elements, including recycled building materials, enlarged windows to increase natural light, low-water landscaping and energy-efficient equipment. These enhancements are part of the Sustainable Restaurant Design initiative launched by Darden Restaurants, Olive Garden's parent company.

"At the Carson City Olive Garden, there is an atmosphere of Italian hospitality," said Jinny Suarez-Brychel, general manager. "From the decor of our new restaurant to our delicious Italian food, we're ready to deliver a great experience for all of our guests."

Travertine marble imported from Tuscany was chiseled with Suarez-Brychel's name and placed prominently by the restaurant's front door.