Olive Garden tests smaller portion menu at reduced prices nationwide with 'encouraging' results

Published: Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 8:31 pm

Olive Garden Tests Smaller Portions, Sees Positive Customer Response

Darden Restaurants, the parent company of Olive Garden, is experimenting with a "Lighter Portion Entrees" menu across a significant portion of its locations. The company revealed this initiative during its recent quarterly earnings call. The new menu section, which features smaller portions of seven existing entrees at a reduced price, is designed to offer customers an additional dining option.

The "Lighter Portion Entrees" menu includes popular items such as Chicken Parmigiana, Eggplant Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico, and Fettuccine Alfredo. These smaller portions are priced between $12.99 and $13.99, with prices varying by market.

According to Darden Restaurants, the initial customer response to the new menu has been "encouraging." Customers have rated the chain 15% higher on affordability, and they have expressed satisfaction with the amount of food received despite the smaller servings. The company emphasized that these lighter options still come with Olive Garden's signature unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad.

The company's CEO expressed confidence in Olive Garden's initiatives, including its five-year plan for sustained growth. Darden Restaurants also owns other popular restaurant brands, including LongHorn Steakhouse.

The announcement comes as the company's stock experienced a decline following the release of mixed quarterly results. Earlier this year, Texas Roadhouse surpassed Olive Garden as America's top casual dining chain, a position Olive Garden had held since 2018.

BNN's Perspective:

The move by Olive Garden to offer smaller portions at a reduced price appears to be a smart strategy in the current economic climate. It caters to budget-conscious consumers without sacrificing the core Olive Garden experience. While the initial results are promising, it remains to be seen if this initiative will be a long-term success and help the chain regain its position as the top casual dining restaurant.

Keywords: Olive Garden, Darden Restaurants, smaller portions, lighter entrees, menu, reduced prices, customer response, affordability, earnings call, restaurant industry, casual dining, Texas Roadhouse, Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico, Fettuccine Alfredo

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