A HUGE change is coming to Olive Garden’s 900 restaurants – but there’ s a catch.
The 43 year old chain is partnering with another popular business to expand its reach and bring their food to more people than ever.
The 43 year old chain is partnering with another popular business to expand its reach and bring their food to more people than everGetty Images - GettyOlive Garden is partnering with Uber Direct to roll out a delivery service for those who want the taste without the hassle of going in person.
Tasting Table reports that customers can place their order through the Olive Garden app, before having their freshly prepared food delivered by an Uber Driver.
Rick Cardenas, President and CEO of Darden, the company that owns Olive Garden, said: “Guests have been asking us for home delivery options and they continue to show they are willing to pay for the convenience.”
Sarfraz Maredia, vice president of Delivery, head of Americas at Uber Eats added: “On-demand delivery is increasingly a core expectation for consumers.
“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.”
There are a couple of snags that keeps this delivery service from perhaps being everything that customers could want.
Firstly, delivery is only available for orders up to $350, and larger orders are available for next day delivery through Olive Garden‘s catering service.
Also, not everything on the Olive Garden menu is available for delivery.
You won’t be able to eat the never-ending soup, salad, or breadsticks at home.
Most notably, there is a location rule when it comes to ordering from Olive Garden, stating you must be within eight miles of a chain.
If you aren’t you won’t be eligible for the delivery service.
The US Sun reported on the announcement of the service back in December 2024.
At that time, delivery had only been available from Olive Garden restaurants partaking in the pilot of the service.
Around 1,000 locations were selected for the test run, which due to a lack of marketing only drew 1.5% of that year’s sales.
Cardenas said at the time: “They are not promoting it yet in order to focus on the technology integration and operational execution.
Top Grocery Delivery Apps:
Shoppers can save time by getting someone else to get their groceries for them using a variety of apps and services.
Instacart: Works with major retailers including Albertsons, ALDI, Costco, CVS, Kroger, Sam’s Club, and Wegmans. Groceries can be delivered as quickly as one hour and can be arranged to suit your schedule. However, prices can differ compared to those that are in-store. There is a $99 per year or $9.99 per month membership fee.
Amazon Fresh: This is an off-shoot of Amazon. It offers customers fresh groceries and household goods. The service works similarly to Instacart and offers same-day delivery and exclusive offers to those with Amazon Prime.
Walmart Grocery: Walmart shoppers can place orders via the Walmart app and either pick them up or have them delivered to their door. The retailer calls it “the easiest way to shop.”
Shipt: Membership costs $99 per year with unlimited free deliveries on orders over $35. It enables customers to speak directly with their assigned Shipt shoppers to make special requests. The company also works closely with Target.
Kroger Delivery: Kroger shoppers can get their groceries taken to their door at a delivery time that suits them. It also offers customers the chance to spend digital coupons so they do not miss out on key deals. However, the retailer’s service does not offer same-day delivery.
Target Same-Day Delivery: Orders can arrive within a few hours of being placed. Shoppers can get real-time updates on their orders which will allow for last-minute changes and special requests. Target states that there are “no delivery markups” and Target Circle deals are included. Shoppers can pay per delivery or become a Target Circle 360 member for unlimited deliveries.
“The pilot has gone very well…Olive Garden is on track to begin rolling it out to the rest of the system after the holidays, with potential completion by the end of the third quarter.”
He added that so far the service and technology have “worked flawlessly.”
There were some negative reaction when the service was first announced, with some customers worrying it could increase prices.
One person wrote in a Facebook comment: “Means prices going up.”
“Partnering doesn’t always mean a better deal or experience for customers,” another said.
A third echoed this fear, noting: “So pay more for the same thing if you go get it yourself or eat there. Smart.”
AlamyMost notably, there is a location rule when it comes to ordering from Olive Garden, stating you must be within eight miles of a chain[/caption] Read More Details
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