Anyone who grew up in Green Township the past 25 years probably spent a fair amount of time in the TGI Fridays on Glenway Ave.

When it opened across from Western Bowl in 1994, the chain restaurant known for mixed grilles was a pretty big deal, providing a central meeting spot for a generation of West Siders.

People who live in the area, an area some call Western Hills, have since found other places to meet. The building has sat vacant for almost two years since Fridays closed in December 2017.

Until now.

Olive Garden will seek to return the building in front of the mostly vacant Western Woods Mall back to a destination.

The Green Township Board of Trustees announced the Italian restaurant chain known for unlimited bread sticks and salad will open sometime next year.

Real estate agent, broker and commercial property owner Bob Wurster has signed a lease with Darden Restaurants for a new Olive Garden on the former Friday’s site.

The new building and will be approximately 7.700 square feet. Seating for 206 is planned for the dining area and another 50 seats for the lounge and bar area for a total of 256.

Weather permitting construction should begin in 2019 with a likely opening in the spring of 2020.

"Olive Garden is the most-asked-for restaurant ever," Board of Trustees Chairman Tony Rosiello said. "It's good news for other restaurants and gives them a chance to put their best foot forward."