Olive Garden to Close 900 U.S. Locations: What It Means for You
Olive Garden, the beloved Italian restaurant chain, will close all 900 of its U.S. locations on Thanksgiving and Christmas. This closure allows employees to spend the holidays with their families. The decision is not financially motivated but reflects the company’s commitment to employee well-being.
Olive Garden’s Holiday Closure Policy
For years, Olive Garden has maintained a tradition of closing on major holidays. This policy extends to both Thanksgiving and Christmas, which means no pasta, salad, or famous unlimited breadsticks for patrons hoping to dine on these festive days.
Reasons Behind the Closure
- Employee well-being: Olive Garden prioritizes family time for its staff.
- No financial strain: The closures are not due to economic difficulties.
- Flexibility for managers: Local management teams can adjust operating hours based on business levels.
The Heritage of Olive Garden
Olive Garden has been serving customers since 1982 when it opened its first restaurant in Orlando, Florida. As a key brand under Darden Restaurants, it competes vigorously in the dining industry.
Despite a decline in sales in the early 2010s, Olive Garden made a successful comeback by emphasizing value. Their focus on offerings like unlimited breadsticks and hearty salads has led to a significant increase in same-store sales.
Recent Performance Highlights
- Company recovery: Olive Garden has bounced back from a challenging period around 2014.
- Stock success: Darden Restaurants’ stock has tripled over the last decade.
Trend of Holiday Closures in the Restaurant Industry
The trend of closing on holidays is growing among U.S. businesses, especially in the restaurant sector. Operations on these days can diminish employee morale and incur higher costs due to premium holiday pay.
Other Chains Following Suit
Several other restaurant chains also close on holidays, including:
- LongHorn Steakhouse
- Texas Roadhouse
- Chick-fil-A (closed every Sunday)
Conversely, some chains remain open during the holidays, albeit with reduced hours, such as Waffle House, Denny’s, IHOP, McDonald’s, and Starbucks.
Conclusion
If you find yourself craving Olive Garden’s menu during Thanksgiving or Christmas, it might be time to explore cooking your favorite dishes at home. Remember, the restaurant will not be available for dining or takeout on these public holidays.
