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"Set to become the chain’s eighth local outpost on the Las Vegas Strip, the restaurant has filed paperwork to take over space 300 at the Showcase Mall (above Target at 3767 Las Vegas Blvd. S.); mall owners and the brand have not formally announced the move, but roughly $3,750,000 has been budgeted for the third-floor build-out and a debut is not expected this year. Founded in 1982 and grown to nearly 900 locations worldwide under Darden Restaurants, the ubiquitous Italian chain is a local favorite—frequently voted the region’s “Best Italian Restaurant”—and its valley locations continue to offer takeout, delivery, and limited-capacity full service. The menu is known for unlimited soup, salads and breadsticks, classic parmigiana and alfredo dishes, the “Tour of Italy” combination plates, and seasonal promotions such as the “Never Ending Pasta Bowl.” The planned Strip opening is being cited as further evidence that casual and quick-service dining will lead Las Vegas’s recovery." - Bradley Martin