Students were disappointed with the news that a planned Olive Garden will no longer be built in DeKalb.

“Darden [Restaurants] has told us that their 2013 plans for 36 new stores have been cut to 15 stores,” City Manager Mark Biernacki said in a news release. “The DeKalb store is one of those being cut. They made it clear that this decision to cancel the DeKalb project was based on overall economic conditions and not on any issues with the city or the location.”

Jordan Lanum, junior political science major, said Olive Garden is one of his favorite restaurants.

“They need to bring an Olive Garden out here because it’s one of the best restaurants,” Lanum said. “Just the quality of food is so much better than most places in DeKalb.”

Jamal Brown, sophomore computer science major, also likes the quality of the restaurant. Camille Holda, junior health administration major, enjoys Olive Garden and has been to a few locations.

“I went to the one in Aurora a couple weeks ago and I remember wishing there was one closer to NIU,” Holda said. “It would add variety to DeKalb, which would be nice.”

According to the news release, a key factor in the company’s decision was consumers becoming budget-conscious. The company is planning to focus on upgrading existing restaurants instead of opening new ones, according to the news release.

The proposed location, 2211 Sycamore Road, is still vacant. The city is working to fill the store, according to the news release.

“We have been in communication with other developers and restaurant chains, and are encouraging those prospects to consider the Small’s Furniture location,” Roger Hopkins, DeKalb’s economic development consultant, said in the news release.