Additional Coverage:
- Olive Garden tests smaller portion menu at reduced prices nationwide with ‘encouraging’ results (foxbusiness.com)
Olive Garden is Testing Out Smaller Portions
Darden Restaurants, the parent company of Olive Garden, announced on Thursday that it is experimenting with smaller portions at the Italian-American chain. The “Lighter Portion Entrées” menu is currently being tested in 40% of Olive Garden locations.
Seven classic entrées are available in the lighter portion sizes, including Chicken Parmigiana, Eggplant Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, Cheese Ravioli, Spaghetti & Meatballs, and Fettuccine Alfredo. While prices vary by market, the lighter portions generally range from $12.99 to $13.99.
Darden CEO Rick Cardenas reported encouraging initial customer response to the new menu option, noting a 15% increase in positive customer ratings on affordability. Cardenas also highlighted customer satisfaction with the portion sizes, emphasizing that the lighter entrées still provide a satisfying amount of food. He further reminded investors that these smaller entrées still come with Olive Garden’s unlimited breadsticks, soup, and salad.
This initiative is part of Olive Garden’s five-year plan for sustained growth. The news comes after a mixed quarter for Darden and a decline in its stock price.
Earlier this year, Olive Garden lost its title as America’s top casual dining chain to Texas Roadhouse. Darden also recently announced plans to expand its Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse brands.