AUBURN — The new Olive Garden, off Turner Street near the Auburn Mall, has set May 22 as its official opening date.

Parent company Darden Restaurants, which also owns Longhorn Steakhouse, made it official Monday with an email to The Buzz.

The Auburn City Council last week unanimously approved Olive Garden’s liquor license, one of the last licensure steps before finally opening the doors of the much-anticipated restaurant.

Last week, Pawel Binczyk, an attorney with the law firm representing Olive Garden, spoke during the public comment period of the council meeting. “I know everybody’s been really excited to see this restaurant come to Auburn,” he said. “There’s a big team working behind the scenes to make everything happen and try to get this restaurant open as soon as possible. Right now, we’re looking at the end of May, but things may move faster.”

So, Olive Garden fans, more to come, but the opening is just six weeks away.

If you have not watched the city council’s approval of the liquor license, we’ve attached it for you. The council’s enthusiasm and Binczyk’s quick presentation are worth the less than two minutes of your time the council took on the matter!

The Buzz offers quick hits about trending area business happenings. Have a Buzzable tip? Contact business writer Christopher Wheelock at 689-2817 or cwheelock@sunjournal.com