Olive Garden

Olive Garden is oft-maligned for serving up processed dishes masquerading as traditional Italian food, but that hasn’t stopped the sit-down restaurant chain from establishing a whopping 1,816 locations across the United States.

That’s a fairly remarkable feat, considering that the first Olive Garden was founded in Orlando, Florida in 1982 and only took two decades to become the nation’s leading franchise in the Italian casual dining space.

If there appears to be a “formulaic” approach to the spot’s offerings, it’s probably because the chain is owned by Darden Restaurants, which has created several other popular casual dining franchises like Longhorn Steakhouse, Eddie V’s, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze, The Capital Grille, Red Lobster, and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.

Given Olive Garden’s popularity and offerings of relatively low-cost sit-down menu options like unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks for $11.99 (with prices varying by location and time of day) it’s no wonder so many folks are posting about their Olive Garden experiences online, both sitting at and serving tables.

Server talking(l+r), Olive Garden sign(c)

‘No idea this was a thing’: Olive Garden customer catches worker playing ‘server bingo.’ What is it?

‘Brunch Bingo is my favorite game!’

On Jul 16, 2024 by Phil West

Olive Garden

‘No idea this was a thing’: Olive Garden customer catches worker playing ‘server bingo.’ What is it?

‘They usually don’t tip’: Olive Garden server won’t let customers have salad and breadsticks until they order an entree

‘What’s with these calculators?’: Olive Garden customer notices something unusual when she tries to leave a 20% tip

‘He asked if he could talk to me privately’: Customer says Olive Garden manager retaliated against her because she used to work there

‘Worth it’: Olive Garden customer shows trick to ordering gift box full of breadsticks

‘I would just rather not go out to eat if we have to do this’: Dad feeds family of 6 at Chili’s for only $30. Viewers are divided

‘That’s a good deal’: Dad feeds family of 6 with Olive Garden for $20. Here’s how

‘I need to talk to the manager’: HVAC expert dines at Olive Garden. Then he pulls out his thermometer

‘Enjoy your new and improved salad experience’: Ex-Olive Garden server reveals tricks the restaurant doesn’t want you to know about

‘I just need a summer job THIS IS SICKKKK’: Job applicant can’t believe what she has to do just to get a job at Olive Garden

‘Always get embarrassed when I ask’: Olive Garden customer orders chicken and gnocchi soup just so she can take it to-go

‘That is definitely how reheated Alfredo looks’: Viewers think Olive Garden microwaved customer’s food after he notices something unusual about it

‘And it’s the smallest dish you’ve ever seen’: Olive Garden server tries to convince customers to spend an extra $6 on alfredo sauce with breadsticks

‘Just take my word for it’: Server shares why Olive Garden is the worst place to wait tables. And 3 other places to ‘never’ serve at

‘We would like the unlimited breadsticks, soups, and salads’: Olive Garden worker calls out customers who come in during their 30-minute lunch break