In the moments leading up to the official opening, the line outside Ames’ first Olive Garden quickly grew from about 30 to nearly 60.
Collins resident Jerry Courter was the first person through the door on Monday, June 1, which was perfect because he’d arrived at 9:45 a.m. for the 11 a.m. opening.
“I am an Olive Garden nut, so I just had to be here today when they open,” he said. “I am a lover of Italian food.”…