Eastfield Welcomes Olive Garden As Expansion Continues

SELMA — A new dining option has arrived in Selma as the ribbon cutting was held recently for Olive Garden at Eastfield, a large-scale mixed-use development designed to combine residential, commercial and entertainment spaces.

The restaurant joins Eastfield, a 435-acre, 3 million-square-foot master-planned “Live-Work-Play” community that continues to expand with new retail, residential and business investments.

“We know our residents and visitors enjoy going out for a great meal,” said Kevin Dougherty, president of AdVenture Development. “We are proud to welcome Darden Restaurants, the premier leader in American full-service dining and parent company of Olive Garden, to Eastfield in Selma. Their partnership represents a significant investment in our local workforce and a profound commitment to our community’s well-being.”

As part of its grand opening celebration, Olive Garden donated $5,000 to the Partnership for Children of Johnston County. The organization supports early childhood education initiatives, family well-being and community enrichment programs across the county.

Eastfield is envisioned as a large-scale destination that blends residential living with employment and lifestyle amenities. Plans for the development include 211 single-family homes, senior living options and Eastfield Village, a 348-unit apartment community currently under construction.

Commercial components of the project feature a business park, specialty retail, medical facilities, coworking spaces, hospitality and entertainment venues, along with restaurants such as the newly opened Olive Garden.

Recent additions to Eastfield include a 375,000-square-foot retail center and Eastfield Business Park Building 100, home to companies including Veetee and Crystal Windows. The development also includes Triangle East Collaborative (TEC), which houses businesses such as Old North State Food Hall, Longleaf Tavern, JR Cigar, Shield Republic and Carolina Wholesale Flooring.

Local leaders say the addition of a nationally recognized restaurant brand reflects continued growth in Selma and Johnston County as Eastfield evolves into a regional destination.