Darden Restaurants is rolling out a new test menu that trims Olive Garden portions at 40% of its locations, offering smaller servings at lower prices. The company announced the initiative during its quarterly earnings call Thursday, describing the new “Lighter Portion Entrées” menu as an added option for guests.
The lighter menu includes seven of Olive Garden’s most popular dishes: Chicken Parmigiana, Eggplant Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, Cheese Ravioli, Spaghetti & Meatballs, and Fettuccine Alfredo. Prices range from $12.99 to $13.99 depending on the market.
Darden emphasized that the new menu section is “not replacing anything” on Olive Garden’s traditional lineup. A company spokesperson told FOX Business the effort was designed to give customers flexibility without cutting back on value.
So far, customers have responded positively. “The initial response from customers has been encouraging,” Darden president and CEO Rick Cardenas said, adding that diners rated the chain 15% higher on affordability during the trial.
Cardenas noted that despite the smaller servings, guests still receive Olive Garden’s signature never-ending breadsticks, soup, or salad. “These items, available at dinner and all day during the weekend, still offer abundant portions and come with Olive Garden’s never-ending first course,” he said.
The move comes as Olive Garden faces growing competition. Texas Roadhouse recently overtook the Italian-American chain as America’s top casual dining brand after Olive Garden had held the spot since 2018.
Still, Darden leadership remains optimistic. “I have confidence in Olive Garden’s initiatives for the year, as well as their five-year roadmap to sustain long-term growth and success,” Cardenas said.
