After years of hearing people ask for it, Olive Garden appears to be on its way to Harrison County.

 

Clarksburg Vice Mayor Jimmy Marino confirmed today that the company had submitted plans for review to the city. Marino said the plan is for them to locate at the NewPointe Plaza.

 

“They will be located at the site where Ryan’s was located,” said Marino. “The current structure will likely be demolished.”

 

Marino said he had a chance to review the plans. He said it looks to be a state-of-the-art structure that will fit in nicely as the development.

 

“You look at the Ryan’s building and think it’s not in bad shape, but when you’re dealing with companies that are mega corporations, they want to build to their own specifications as opposed to retrofitting it,” said Marino.

 

The addition is another big announcement involving the Eastpointe and NewPointe developments that are adjacent to one another in Clarksburg and bordering Bridgeport’s city limits. A new Kroger was built in the former Kmart site, while the old Kroger will be a Hobby Lobby. Michael’s also opened in the former A.C. Moore location – all of those at Eastpointe.

 

“Olive Garden is a big name and the closest one is in Morgantown and does well,” said Marino. “This will be a big boost for our area and it’s a testament to the viability of Eastpointe and NewPointe and it will benefit not just Clarksburg, but the entire region. The one thing about a business going out up there, the buildings don’t stay vacant too long.”

 

Marino did not have details on other aspects of the building. If those become available, they will be posted on Connect-Bridgeport.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo show the Ryan's at Eastpointe that is no longer in business, while Vice Mayor Jimmy Marino is shown being interviewed below. Bottom photo by Ben Queen Photography.