Years ago, when Nashville reached a population count that drew a new breed of big-box chain restaurants to stake a claim on our dining landscape, and especially as franchise-happy Cool Springs emerged from Williamson County farmland, the Scene decided we would review the first location of each of those. 

Which is what sent me and my semi-reluctant companions to the region’s first Olive Garden on Galleria Boulevard for dinner one night. It wasn’t that it was horrible — particularly not if you like loads of cheese, cloying sauces and huge portions. I just didn’t understand the excitement that greeted its arrival.