Since 1982, Olive Garden has grown from a single Orlando location to the world’s largest Italian restaurant chain, serving nearly 9 million breadsticks daily. While their commercials paint a picture of authentic Italian dining, there’s more to the story behind those endless breadsticks and familiar recipes.
The truth about their pasta preparation method
Most Italian chefs consider salted water essential for properly cooked pasta. However, Olive Garden doesn’t salt their pasta water – not for taste reasons, but to preserve their cooking equipment. The salt’s corrosive properties could damage their pots and void the warranty. Instead, they rely on sauces and seasonings added after cooking to provide flavor.
Additionally, the pasta isn’t made fresh to order. To handle high-volume service, it’s pre-cooked and rapidly reheated when customers place their orders. This method allows for faster service times but may affect the texture and quality compared to traditionally prepared pasta.
Behind the famous breadstick policy
The “unlimited breadsticks” promotion isn’t as unlimited as it seems. Servers follow a specific formula: one breadstick per person plus one extra in the first basket. When customers request more, they receive one per person. This policy, implemented to reduce waste, became controversial in 2014 when investors suggested limiting the breadsticks further – a proposal that sparked significant customer backlash.
Staff members also employ specific strategies to prevent people from only ordering drinks and consuming free breadsticks. These tactics help maintain the restaurant’s profitability while still providing the appearance of endless bread service.
The reality of their Tuscan cooking school
The much-advertised Culinary Institute of Tuscany isn’t quite what it seems. Rather than a formal cooking school, it’s actually a rented hotel and restaurant space where some managers spend time eating local food and occasionally interacting with regional chefs. While they do gain exposure to Italian cuisine, it’s more of a cultural experience than professional culinary training.
What if the training was conducted at an actual Italian culinary institute? The resulting dishes might be quite different from the current Olive Garden menu, which includes several items like “Pastachetti” that don’t exist in traditional Italian cuisine.
Smart ways to maximize value at Olive Garden
The best dining deals happen during weekday afternoons. From 3-5 PM, the restaurant offers their “Dinner Duo” special featuring an $8.99 entrée with unlimited salad and breadsticks. For additional savings, split your bill to use multiple coupons in one visit.
The restaurant’s rewards app provides various perks, including free appetizers and birthday desserts. These rewards can be redeemed at any Darden-owned restaurant, effectively multiplying their value across different dining options.
The average check at Olive Garden remains under $15, contributing to annual sales approaching $4 billion. Despite various cost-saving measures in food preparation and service, the restaurant maintains its position as America’s go-to Italian-style restaurant through careful portion control and strategic pricing. Understanding these behind-the-scenes practices helps diners make informed choices while still enjoying their favorite dishes.
