Olive Garden has finally rolled out delivery from all of its 900 restaurants nationwide.
Fans of the Italian casual dining chain can now get their breadsticks and favorite pasta dishes delivered right to their door. Delivery orders are also priced the same as in restaurant menus.
Orders can be placed on the chain’s website or via its app and will be delivered by Uber drivers.
Customers must live within an eight mile distance from their local Olive Garden.
Orders of up to $350 can be placed for delivery, allowing the whole family to gather for a delicious night in without the stress of cooking.
Any larger orders can be placed using the chain’s catering service.
While Olive Garden had offered its dishes ‘to go’ for year, fans had clamored for a full delivery service.
Executives resisted joining its competitors on the likes of DoorDash and UberEats, claiming it did not want a third-party coming between the brand and its guests.
Olive Garden has finally rolled out delivery from all of its 900 restaurants nationwide
However, bosses relented and started a trial of delivery in the fall with a view to a full rollout in May.
The earlier than expected full rollout of the plans is indicative of the popularity of at-home delivery for consumers.
The two-year partnership with Uber Eats means orders will be delivered by Uber Eats drivers but cannot be ordered from the Uber Eats app itself.
Olive Garden is increasingly listening to customers. In September, bosses brought back two fan favorite menu items – Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo and Stuffed Chicken Marsala again.
Both items were axed during the pandemic when menus were simplified.
Fans rejoiced at the new delivery option, with one saying it ‘feels like I won the lottery.’
‘This makes me so happy’ the customer wrote on Reddit, ‘Zuppa Toscana is my safe food and my current fixation.’
‘I used their delivery last week and it was awesome!’ another agreed.
Olive garden will now offer a home-delivery option in partnership with Uber
Delivery orders are also priced the same as in restaurant menus
‘Yes, the prices are the same but there are extra fees. Delivery was $4.99 and the tip is split between the person packing your order and your driver,’ they explained.
‘I ordered it today and it was so good,’ a third agreed.’
‘Guests have been asking us for a delivery option so they can enjoy all their favorites wherever they are,’ Jaime Bunker, senior vice president of marketing for Olive Garden told DailyMail.com.
‘We understand the importance of convenience in today’s world, and by now offering delivery we can be part of their lives within their own homes.’
‘On-demand delivery is increasingly a core expectation for consumers,’ Sarfraz Maredia, VP of delivery and head of Americas at Uber Eats, added.
‘People also expect a great experience, especially when it’s from a brand they love like Olive Garden, and that doesn’t change whether it’s at the restaurant or at home.’
The delivery service is set to expand to other Darden businesses, which include LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House and Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
