When the question “Is Olive Garden closing down?” starts circulating on social media and through word of mouth, it’s only natural for fans of the beloved restaurant chain to feel a sense of panic.
After all, Olive Garden has been a go-to spot for many, offering a delightful range of Italian dishes complemented by their infamous unlimited breadsticks.
But with the recent news about the brand, especially while some similar brands are shutting their doors, one might also be tempted to ask, ‘Is Olive Garden closing down?’
Well, the good news is that the famous restaurant chain is not going anywhere yet. It is not closing down. In this post, we will take a deeper dive into this subject to help you discover the truth behind the speculation.
A Quick Look at What Olive Garden Is
Olive Garden, part of the Darden Restaurants family, has been serving up hearty Italian-American cuisine since 1982. The brand is known for its welcoming atmosphere, extensive menu, and, of course, those irresistible breadsticks. With these, it has garnered a strong customer base over the years.
With its unique offerings like the ‘Never Ending Pasta Bowl’ and a focus on family-friendly dining, Olive Garden has managed to set itself apart in the competitive restaurant market.
Despite its parent company, Darden Restaurants, facing some financial hurdles, especially during the pandemic, Olive Garden has remained a fan-favorite. So, what’s all this talk about Olive Garden closing its doors?
Is Olive Garden Closing Down?
Breathe a sigh of relief because from what we’ve gathered, these rumors appear to be just that—rumors. Olive Garden has not made any official announcements regarding closures that would indicate the company is on the brink of shutting down.
In fact, they have shown resilience over the years, maintaining popularity among patrons and adapting to challenges, such as offering takeaway orders during the pandemic. It’s clear that Olive Garden isn’t ready to say goodbye to its customers just yet.
So, if you are hearing any speculation stating that the brand is going down soon, you just need to discard it. It is nothing but a speculation, and doesn’t hold any water.
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So, Where Did the Rumor Come From?
The source of the closure rumors seems to be connected to the financial struggles of Darden Restaurants, Olive Garden’s parent company.
The coronavirus pandemic had a significant impact on the entire hospitality sector, causing many restaurants to close their doors, and Darden Restaurants was no exception. They experienced a substantial financial loss, with revenue falling by 43% in the fourth quarter of the financial year 2019-20.
It’s likely that these challenges are what led to the rumors about Olive Garden closing. But as we have established, these rumors are not reflective of Olive Garden’s current state.
Not All Stores Were Lucky
The pandemic’s hit on the hospitality sector led to approximately 10% of US restaurants and food joints permanently closing.
Larger chains with more resources, like Olive Garden, were more equipped to handle the financial strain, but many smaller businesses and independent stores were not as fortunate. Even some of the largest food chains in the USA, including Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Dunkin’, had to close some locations to mitigate financial loss.
Is Olive Garden Adding New Locations?
Contrary to the closure rumors, Olive Garden is actually expanding. The restaurant chain is opening new locations in various cities, including Sacramento, East Point, Benton, Eagan, and Delafield.
These new additions indicate growth and investment in the future, showcasing Olive Garden’s confidence in its brand and offerings. So, when you hear, ‘Is Olive Garden closing down?’ This evidence should help clear your mind that the company is not going anywhere!
Has Olive Garden Closed Down Any Locations Yet?
While Olive Garden as a whole is not closing down, there have been undoubtedly isolated incidents of specific restaurant closures. For example, the Olive Garden in Owning Mills, Maryland, recently closed due to the restaurant not renewing its lease.
Additionally, the Willow Grove, Pennsylvania location will be closing, but with a catch as a new and improved Olive Garden will be opening just six miles away.
How is the Company Doing Financially?
Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, Olive Garden has shown remarkable resilience. The restaurant experienced a significant loss in revenue, but recent reports from Statista show that their U.S. revenue for the year 2023 is $4.88 billion, an increase from the previous year’s $4.5 billion.
This upward trend indicates that Olive Garden is bouncing back and continues to be a strong player in the restaurant industry. Is the company presently experiencing a decline in finance? Yes, but Olive Garden is doing well to get things back to normal.
Is Olive Garden Closing in the Future?
The future is always uncertain, and while Olive Garden has faced and overcome challenges, it’s impossible to predict what will happen down the line.
However, the restaurant’s ability to adapt and thrive, even during tough times, gives us reason to be optimistic about its future. Olive Garden has shown that it can weather the storm and come out stronger on the other side.
So, will it be closing down soon? It doesn’t appear like that. Instead, it looks more like a brand that will be around for a long time.
Is Olive Garden Closing Down – Final Note
As we have explained in the sections above, the answer is a resounding no. Olive Garden remains a beloved destination for Italian-American cuisine. It continues to serve its customers with the same passion and quality it always has.
And with the look of things, such as the addition of new locations and a strong financial rebound, Olive Garden looks like it’s here to stay. So, go ahead and plan your next visit; those unlimited breadsticks aren’t going anywhere!
FAQs
Is Olive Garden Going Out of Business?
As we already said, Olive Garden is not going out of business. While some of it stores have closed down recently, and its parent company struggling financially because of the recent pandemic, there is no sign that the company is going out of business.
The management of the brand has refused to say anything about the rumor but instead has begun to make some cool developments showing it’s going nowhere!
Who Owns Olive Garden?
Olive Garden is owned by Darden Restaurants, Inc., a multi-brand restaurant operator. Other popular restaurant chains operated by Darden include LongHorn Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze, and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen.
Is Olive Garden Closing In Canada?
There have been instances in the past where Olive Garden has closed locations in Canada, but whether any are closing currently would depend on specific local factors and decisions made by the company. But right now, there is no sign that Olive Garden is closing down in Canada.
Is Olive Garden discontinuing its Breadsticks?
As of the time of writing this post, Olive Garden had not announced any plans to discontinue its famous unlimited breadsticks. This offering is a signature part of the Olive Garden dining experience and has been popular with customers.
What Is Changing About Olive Garden?
Olive Garden is actively evolving by updating its menu, improving service, and enhancing the dining atmosphere. The restaurant is also investing in technology for convenient online ordering and delivery options, ensuring a modern and accessible dining experience for its customers.
How Is Olive Garden Doing Financially?
The financial performance of Olive Garden can be found in the quarterly and annual reports published by Darden Restaurants, Inc. These documents provide a comprehensive overview of the financial health of the company, including revenue, expenses, and net income.
Looking at it, it shows that even though the company is recently backward with its revenue, it’s bouncing back fast.
Who Is Olive Garden’s Biggest Competitor?
Olive Garden competes in the casual dining sector of the restaurant industry, and its biggest competitors include other Italian-themed chains like Maggiano’s Little Italy. The brand also competes with other casual dining chains like Applebee’s, Chili’s, and Outback Steakhouse.