Olive Garden Trials New Menu—With Reduced Prices
Summary
Olive Garden is testing a new menu with smaller, cheaper entrée options at 40% of its restaurants in the U.S. This move comes as restaurants face changing customer habits and economic challenges, like inflation. The new menu items still include the chain’s popular unlimited soup or salad and breadsticks.Key Facts
- Olive Garden is owned by Darden Restaurants.
- They are testing a "Lighter Portion Entrées" menu with smaller portion sizes.
- The test is happening in 40% of Olive Garden locations across the U.S.
- The menu includes seven different dishes priced between $12.99 and $13.99.
- The trial was announced during Darden's September 2025 earnings call.
- This change is thought to address shifting dining habits, such as those influenced by weight-loss medications.
- Inflation has prompted restaurants to try offering more budget-friendly deals.
- Olive Garden's CEO mentioned positive initial customer feedback on affordability and portion sizes.
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