Photo by Todd Weddle / St. Joseph News-Press / Purchase this photo

Patrons line up waiting for the doors to open at the new Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Monday afternoon.

When Debbie Baker and her daughter, Cristy Hunt, found out Olive Garden was opening in St. Joseph, they were ecstatic.

But Monday, Ms. Baker waited alone to eat at the new restaurant. Her daughter passed away in December before the two could dine together at their favorite Italian restaurant. Ms. Baker, however, kept her word.

“I promised her we’d be here the first day,” Ms. Baker said.

Ms. Baker of Maitland, Mo., was one of about 30 customers waiting in line in 14-degree weather to eat on Olive Garden’s first day of business. The doors opened at 4 p.m.

Bundled in heavy coats, ear muffs and gloves, hungry patrons rushed through the doors as soon as they opened.

“I wanted to be the first,” Ms. Baker said. But when she arrived at around 3 p.m., she realized many others had the same idea.

St. Joseph resident Patricia Nadolski waited in line next to Ms. Baker so the rest of her family wouldn’t have to.

“We’re celebrating our birthdays,” Ms. Nadolski said. Her mother waited in a car next to the sidewalk, with her daughter in another. “My mom just wanted to take me here for my birthday. She’s been dying for (an Olive Garden).”

The Italian restaurant, located at 5312 N. Belt Highway, began construction last year after it purchased land near The Shoppes at North Village. North Pointe was developed by EBR Enterprises across the road from The Shoppes at the intersection of Belt Highway and Blackwell Road. Olive Garden is located between KFC and Cheddar’s Casual Cafe in North Point.

For the first week, Olive Garden will only be serving dinner, beginning at 4 p.m.

Then, starting on Feb. 18, hours will be from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, contact the restaurant at 901-9211.