Alaskans have been clamoring for it for years, and the day has finally arrived. Olive Garden opens Monday, Jan. 23.

The Italian food chain includes more than 750 restaurants, and the one at 1186 N. Muldoon Road in the Tikahtnu Commons shopping center will be the first doing business in the state. A press release announcing the grand opening said that the restaurant will also bring 165 new jobs. A second location in South Anchorage is scheduled to later in the year.

The eatery will have dinner-only hours for the first week (4-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4-11 p.m. Friday), and given the buzz leading up to the opening, you can probably expect a packed house.

Lunch hours begin Saturday, Jan. 28, opening every day at 11 a.m.

Visit the OliveGarden.com/Careers to apply for one of those 165 jobs.

Let us know in the comments: Have you been to an Olive Garden in the Lower 48? What about it has people so excited? Is it better than the Italian restaurants already in town?