Entertaining phone call from Jane Green this week, recounting her and her husband’s recent trip to Tallahassee in honor of their 57th wedding anniversary. Yep, 57 years.

She and Harris went to Olive Garden, where they decided to splurge a little since they had a gift card — which they didn’t even need since the restaurant picked up their check when management found out about their anniversary.

All very interesting, including Jane saying the food was absolutely delicious.

But even more interesting is the information that the culinary manager shared with the couple — the restaurant is finally, yes, finally coming to Valdosta. Unfortunately, she didn’t know where, and she wasn’t sure when.

So, I did a little sleuthing and found out that Valdosta isn’t listed on their official company Web site as a new restaurant opening this year, but, on the good side, the list only goes through May, and it says the list will be updated in February for the rest of the year, so there is a chance we could be on it.

When I called the restaurant in Tallahassee, the manager the Greens spoke to wasn’t available, and no one from their corporate office called back.

I don’t for a minute doubt that they are coming to Valdosta this year, and usually employees know far in advance of any official announcement.

The part that’s in question is the “where.” Best guesses, based on many conversations and some wild conjecture, is either right beside I-75 at Exit 18 where the Holiday Inn used to be or the new James Road project, which looks like it has new life again and may well yet bring that big fish to town.

Given that the restaurant has finished as the number one business readers want to see in Valdosta in two different Valdosta Daily Times polls and given the number of times I’m asked about it (and I’m not the only one — Mayor Fretti gets the question as much as I do) I thought I should keep you all informed, but I’m not sure if this constitutes good news or just better news than we’ve heard before.

At any rate, we’re on their radar screen, which is good, and for those who have been aching for an Olive Garden, maybe, just maybe, we’re finally going to see it happen this year. And when it’s official, I’m sure there won’t be anyone who can’t hear the whoops of joy from City Hall.

Business Roundup

In addition to the new Georgia Pasty Company at the Preferred Outlet at Lake Park, there is a new shop called Becky’s Cakes.

A caller this week said they are absolutely wonderful.

With the new Famous Labels opening there soon as well, hopefully the center is being revitalized again.