Shelton named GM of Peru’s Olive Garden

PERU — Olive Garden Italian Restaurant has appointed Bloomington resident Karen Shelton as general manager of the new restaurant located at 5223 U.S. Hwy. 251 in Peru. The restaurant will open on March 26.

“Karen will ensure each and every guest enjoys their dining experience at our new Peru restaurant,” said Dan Kiernan, executive vice president of operations for Olive Garden. “Her professionalism and dedication to providing 100 percent guest delight makes her a great leader for our team in Peru.”

Shelton has been with Olive Garden for six years, most recently as a manager of the Olive Garden located at 1701 E. Empire St. in Bloomington.

Shelton is one of more than 1,200 managers who have participated in Olive Garden’s Culinary Institute of Tuscany program in the Tuscan village of Riserva di Fizzano, which serves as the source of inspiration for some dishes on Olive Garden’s menu. Each year, at least 100 managers spend a week in Tuscany getting immersed in Italian culture, which includes learning the traditions of Italian cooking and working side-by-side with Italian master chefs.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to lead the Peru restaurant and a great team at Olive Garden,” said Shelton.  “Our team members are focused on providing excellent service while treating all of our guests like family.”

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