Olive Garden makes major U-turn after resisting for years – and customers are losing their minds with excitement

Olive Garden is finally making a major change to its service and customers are very happy about it.

Fans of the restaurant chain have long regretted that the delicious pasta dishes could not be delivered.

The fast casual favorite has resisted partnering with competitors like DoorDash and Deliveroo, saying it doesn’t want to put a third party between the brand and its guests.

Now, however, bosses have made a dramatic U-turn and launched a two-year partnership with Uber.

Consumers who want to enjoy their favorite Olive Garden dishes at home can now place an order through the restaurant’s app.

“Great news for foodies everywhere!” wrote one fan on X.

‘Now I can enjoy my baguette cravings at home too,’ commented another.

The orders are delivered by Uber Eats delivery people, but cannot be ordered through the Uber Eats app itself.

The two-year partnership will begin with a trial later this year, Restaurant company reported.

It will then roll out to all 900 Olive Garden locations in the US by May 2025.

“Guests are asking us for the option of having their meals delivered to their homes, and they are willing to pay for the convenience,” Rick Cardenas, CEO of Darden, Olive Garden’s parent company, said Thursday.

This was reported by the publication, which reports that the popular Italian chain reported a 3 percent decline in the period up to and including August 25.

“On-demand delivery is increasingly a core expectation for consumers,” said Sarfraz Maredia, VP of delivery and head of the Americas at Uber Eats.

“People also expect a great experience, especially when it comes to a brand they love, like Olive Garden. And that extends to the experience in a restaurant or at home.”

The delivery service is expanding to other Darden locations, including LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House and Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

Olive Garden angered customers by raising prices earlier this summer despite disappointing sales.

In June, executives announced that prices would increase by 2.5 to 3 percent, not just at Olive Garden but at all Darden restaurants.

CEO Rick Cardenas also said the company would not make deals to attract customers fearful of inflation, as competitors did.

He was referring to competitors that offer a full range, such as Chilli’s, which offers an appetizer, entree and drink for $11, and Applebee’s, which offers two dishes for $20.

Fast food chains have also all rolled out deals. Such as McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s are offering a $5 meal deal that includes a burger, nuggets, fries and a drink.

Orders are processed by Uber Eats delivery people, but can only be placed through the Olive Garden app

Customers on social media expressed concern that Olive Garden is headed in the wrong direction and that they should keep their eyes open, especially as extremely high inflation means people have less and less money to spend on things like dining out.

“When you’re losing customers and you see consumers struggling, this might not be the best time to brag about raising prices,” one customer said on TikTok.

‘The board of directors must look for a new management team and a CEO and CFO who are not so deaf to the tone.’

Another wrote that the restaurant “might as well close down.”