Olive Garden Closing Rumors – 2025 Update

Let me be real with you — when I first saw the headlines claiming Olive Garden might be closing in 2025, my heart sank. I’ve spent birthdays there. I’ve shared family dinners, midweek escapes, and even awkward first dates over endless breadsticks and Alfredo sauce. So when rumors started swirling across Facebook and news sites,

I knew I had to dig into the truth. I didn’t want clickbait — I wanted facts. If you’ve been asking yourself, “Is Olive Garden Closing?”, you’re not alone — and I’ve got your back. In this article, I’ll walk you through where the rumors started, what’s really going on in 2025, and what Olive Garden’s future actually looks like — based on real financials, company updates, and the latest news.

Where Did the Olive Garden Closure Rumors Come From?

Viral Facebook Ads and Misleading Headlines

This is where the panic really began. You might’ve seen one of those ads that read:
“Say Goodbye to Olive Garden – Chain to Shut Down by End of 2025!”

Here’s the truth: these are clickbait scams designed to drive traffic or push products. Many of them lead to spammy websites that have nothing to do with Olive Garden or even the restaurant industry. A few of them use AI-generated photos of shuttered storefronts to stir panic — but none of it’s grounded in verified facts.

Confusion from Other Restaurant Closures

Part of the confusion also comes from real closures in the casual dining sector. Chains like Red Lobster and TGI Fridays have closed dozens of underperforming locations across the U.S., especially post-pandemic.

Some folks assume Olive Garden is lumped into the same trend, but they’re forgetting one key fact: Olive Garden is owned by Darden Restaurants, one of the most financially stable hospitality companies in the country. We’ll get into the financials soon — but the short version is this: Olive Garden is not in the same boat.

Misinterpreted Financial Reports

Let’s talk about another reason people think Olive Garden is closing — poorly understood quarterly earnings.

Darden’s quarterly reports sometimes highlight location closures or lower profit margins in select regions. But here’s what many don’t understand: those adjustments are part of standard business practice, not a red flag for collapse. A restaurant closing in a low-traffic mall in rural Indiana doesn’t mean the whole brand is going under.

Is Olive Garden Really Closing in 2025?

Official Statement from Darden Restaurants

As of July 2025, Darden Restaurants has made no announcement confirming a nationwide shutdown of Olive Garden.

In fact, in an official press release earlier this year, CEO Rick Cardenas said:

“We remain committed to our brands, and Olive Garden continues to outperform expectations in several markets.”

That doesn’t sound like a business preparing to disappear. It sounds like one with a long-term plan.

No Nationwide Shutdown Plans Confirmed

Despite all the noise online, there is zero evidence supporting claims that Olive Garden is planning to close across the U.S. in 2025.

What is happening — and this is important — is that Darden is constantly reviewing performance by location. They’re looking at:

• Lease expirations
  
• Local foot traffic
  
• Staffing costs
  
• Regional growth opportunities
  

If a location isn’t performing, it may be re-evaluated. But that’s a far cry from “shutting down the brand.”

Only Select Locations May Be Closing or Relocating

Now, to be fair, some Olive Garden locations will close or relocate in 2025 — but this isn’t abnormal.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s been confirmed:

City/State	Status	Reason
Springfield, IL	Closed in Q1 2025	Low traffic and lease termination
San Jose, CA (West)	Relocating nearby	Parking/accessibility issues
Knoxville, TN (East)	Closing mid-2025	Shift to more central location

These changes reflect strategic moves, not financial desperation. In many cases, Darden is actually relocating to higher-traffic spots or remodeling existing spaces.

Olive Garden’s Current Financial Health in 2025

Annual Sales and Profit Statistics

Let’s dive into some real numbers — because when it comes to “Is Olive Garden Closing?”, the data speaks louder than the rumors.

According to Darden’s latest Q2 2025 earnings:

• Olive Garden brought in $4.5 billion in revenue over the past 12 months.
  
• Same-store sales increased by 3.4% compared to 2024.
  
• Operating margins remain strong, at 14.1%, which is above the industry average.
  

Here’s a quick year-over-year snapshot:

Metric	2024	2025	Change
Total Revenue	$4.3B	$4.5B	+4.7%
Net Profit	$620M	$645M	+4.0%
Store Count (U.S.)	887	891	+4 new locations

So let’s be clear: this is not a business that’s crumbling. It’s growing — carefully and sustainably.

Recent Investments in Employee Programs

In early 2025, Darden rolled out new benefits across its brands, including Olive Garden:

• Tuition reimbursement expanded to part-time staff
  
• Mental health support programs
  
• Wage increases in competitive metro markets
  
• Improved paid family leave policies
  

These aren’t moves a company makes when it’s preparing to shut down. These are long-term investments to boost retention, culture, and service quality.

Expansion Plans Across the U.S.

Here’s where things get interesting — not only is Olive Garden not closing, it’s expanding strategically.

According to Darden’s 2025 development plan:

• 12 new Olive Garden locations are expected to open by Q4 2025.
  
• Focus areas include mid-sized suburban towns and college cities.
  
• Several existing locations are being remodeled with new interiors, digital kiosks, and improved takeout areas.
  

Cities already confirmed for expansion include:

City	Opening Date	Type
Reno, NV	August 2025	New standalone unit
Madison, WI	September 2025	Suburban plaza build
Fayetteville, AR	October 2025	Remodeled legacy unit

Again, does that sound like a brand about to vanish? Not even close.

New Olive Garden Locations Opening in 2025

For anyone still asking “Is Olive Garden Closing?”, this next section should put the final nail in that rumor. Not only is Olive Garden not closing — it’s opening new locations across the U.S. in 2025. These are real addresses with construction updates, opening dates, and hiring plans already underway. Let’s look at a few of the confirmed spots.

Benton, AR – Confirmed Opening Date

If you’re near Benton, Arkansas, get ready for some breadsticks.

Olive Garden has officially announced its new location near Interstate 30, just off Alcoa Road, with a grand opening planned for September 15, 2025. This location is part of a larger development project that includes a HomeGoods and a medical complex.

Highlights:

• Seats: Approx. 180 diners
  
• Drive-up to-go pickup area
  
• Full bar and updated interior design
  

Locals have been buzzing since the construction signs went up in early spring. Hiring began in July, and management roles were already filled by mid-August.

East Point, GA – Camp Creek Marketplace

Metro Atlanta is about to get another Olive Garden — this one in Camp Creek Marketplace in East Point.

While this location had been under proposal for over a year, it’s now confirmed by Darden. Groundbreaking started in May 2025, and the opening is expected by late November 2025.

Why East Point?

• Dense retail traffic
  
• Limited Italian dining options in the area
  
• Proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson airport for traveler dining
  

This new site will include curbside pick-up, dedicated takeout parking, and an expanded lounge area for weekend dining.

Natomas Sacramento – The Promenade

In California, Olive Garden is coming to Natomas Promenade in Sacramento — a high-traffic area with major anchor stores like Target and Best Buy.

This location is scheduled to open in December 2025, right in time for the holiday rush. The build is part of Darden’s expansion into fast-growing suburban hubs where demand for family dining is on the rise.

A few new features:

• Sustainable kitchen upgrades
  
• Open kitchen layout
  
• Olive Garden’s new “Quick Lunch” dine-in section
  

Sacramento residents have been petitioning for more dine-in Italian options — and now they’re getting one of the best.

Delafield, WI and Central Park Commons

Two Midwest locations are also moving forward:

• Delafield, Wisconsin: Slated to open in October 2025, adjacent to Highway 83 near the new Meijer plaza. This one replaces a former vacant restaurant lot and will have one of Olive Garden’s newest prototypes — complete with self-order kiosks.
  
• Central Park Commons (Eagan, MN): Under construction and expected to open in early 2026, though permits were filed in 2025. This site is designed for high-volume weekend dining and college foot traffic from nearby campuses.
  

Here’s a quick table summarizing the 2025 expansions:

City/State	Opening Month	Key Features
Benton, AR	September 2025	To-go pickup zone, full-service bar
East Point, GA	November 2025	Near airport, lounge seating
Natomas, Sacramento, CA	December 2025	Open kitchen, Quick Lunch zone
Delafield, WI	October 2025	Self-order kiosks, high-capacity seating
Eagan, MN (Central Park)	Early 2026	College crowd focus, digital order systems

Olive Garden vs. Other Restaurant Chains in 2025

If you’re wondering how Olive Garden is doing compared to other big names in casual dining — the answer is simple: it’s winning.

Let’s break it down.

Why Olive Garden Is Outperforming Competitors

Olive Garden’s strength in 2025 comes down to consistency and adaptation.

While other chains are scrambling to recover from post-pandemic staffing issues, supply costs, and real estate challenges, Olive Garden has kept its strategy tight:

• No franchise confusion — all locations are corporate-owned
  
• Strong digital ordering platform
  
• Simplified menu with high margins (think pasta + bread = good ROI)
  
• Curbside efficiency that rivals fast casual chains
  

In contrast, many of its competitors — especially franchise-heavy brands — struggle with uneven experiences from one location to the next.

Darden’s Strategy Compared to Applebee’s, Chili’s, and Red Lobster

Here’s a snapshot of how Darden (Olive Garden’s parent company) stacks up against the rest:

Brand	Q2 2025 Sales Growth	Key Focus	Challenges
Olive Garden	+3.4%	Expansion + tech investment	Select market oversaturation
Applebee’s	-1.2%	Promotions + happy hour	Franchise inconsistency, aging stores
Chili’s	+0.6%	Value menu refresh	Supply chain costs, slow tech rollout
Red Lobster	-4.7%	Seafood-focused specials	Store closures, financial instability

You’ll notice that Olive Garden’s growth is positive and consistent, while others like Red Lobster are still closing stores or restructuring debt.

What Sets Olive Garden Apart in the Casual Dining Market

Here’s what really separates Olive Garden from the rest in 2025:

• Brand trust: People know exactly what they’re going to get
  
• Endless promotions: Like the Never-Ending Pasta Bowl, now in its 20th year
  
• Adaptability: Takeout and delivery systems are smooth and reliable
  
• Loyalty programs: The eClub continues to grow with targeted rewards
  

What’s more — Olive Garden doesn’t chase trends. It leans into what it does well and stays true to its core: Italian-American comfort food at a good prices.

Reasons Why Olive Garden Is Not Going Out of Business

At this point, it’s pretty clear that the “Is Olive Garden Closing” rumor is more myth than reality. But for anyone still uncertain, here are three major reasons why this brand is here to stay.

Strong Brand Loyalty and Repeat Customers

One of Olive Garden’s greatest strengths is repeat traffic. According to a Darden survey in 2025:

• 68% of guests say they dine at Olive Garden at least once every 90 days
  
• 41% of customers are part of the eClub or receive regular email deals
  
• Guest satisfaction scores remain above 85% nationally
  

That kind of loyalty means revenue isn’t just from special occasions — it’s steady, week-in and week-out.

Successful Menu Innovation and Promotions

Olive Garden knows how to refresh the menu without alienating fans.

Recent hits include:

• New Lighter Fare pastas under 600 calories
  
• Take Home Entrées for $6 (still available in many locations)
  
• Seasonal favorites like the Pumpkin Cheesecake and Zuppa Toscana with Kale
  

Plus, digital menu testing (through the app and QR code menus) allows Darden to A/B test new items before full rollouts.

Community Involvement and Food Donations

A lot of people don’t realize how deeply Olive Garden is involved in local communities.

Through the Harvest program, Olive Garden donates surplus food from every location to local nonprofits and shelters. In 2024 alone, the company donated over 8 million meals nationwide — and that number is on pace to be even higher in 2025.

They also sponsor:

• Local teacher appreciation nights
  
• Firefighter and EMT meal programs
  
• Local food bank drives
  

That level of community support isn’t just PR — it’s rooted in a company culture that values connection, not just profit.

How Olive Garden Is Adapting to Changing Market Trends

The restaurant industry isn’t what it was five or even three years ago. Consumer habits have shifted — big time. Fortunately, Olive Garden hasn’t stayed stuck in the past. In 2025, they’re not just keeping up with change — they’re leaning into it with smart, future-focused updates.

To-Go and Delivery Services Surge

Remember when Olive Garden was all about dine-in only? That’s long gone.

In 2025, over 32% of Olive Garden orders are now takeout or delivery. The company has made major upgrades to accommodate this shift:

• Dedicated to-go parking spots at almost every location
  
• Curbside check-in through the mobile app
  
• Partnerships with DoorDash and Uber Eats for consistent delivery
  

Not only has this expanded their customer base, but it’s also kept regulars coming back on busy nights when they just want their favorite pasta without the dine-in wait.

Digital App, Loyalty Programs, and Online Orders

Olive Garden’s mobile app and online platform have gotten a major glow-up. In 2025, users can:

• Order ahead for pickup or delivery
  
• Save favorite meals
  
• Track reward points
  
• Get exclusive coupons or birthday deals
  

Their eClub membership now exceeds 14 million members, offering perks like:

• $5 off after your 3rd visit
  
• Free dessert on anniversaries
  
• Early access to seasonal menu drops
  

These digital perks have strengthened customer loyalty and added value without increasing menu prices.

Focus on Affordable Family Dining

While some restaurants chase trends like fusion concepts or $18 cocktails, Olive Garden has doubled down on its original identity: affordable family meals.

• The $6 Take-Home Entrée deal still exists in 2025 — and it’s a huge draw.
  
• The Family-Style Lasagna Bundle (feeds 4-6) is priced at just $47.99, including salad and breadsticks.
  
• Unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks remains one of the best-value lunches around at $9.99 in most markets.
  

At a time when inflation is squeezing wallets, Olive Garden’s commitment to value is earning real trust.

Olive Garden’s Future Outlook Beyond 2025

So what lies ahead for this iconic Italian-American chain? If current trends continue — and all signs point to that — the future looks solid.

Continued Growth Across Suburban Markets

Olive Garden’s sweet spot has always been suburban America — and that’s exactly where it’s expanding.

Darden’s real estate team is actively targeting:

• College towns
  
• Shopping plazas near highways
  
• New construction zones in developing suburbs
  

These locations offer lower overhead, higher family traffic, and less direct competition. And it’s working — suburban restaurants now represent over 70% of Olive Garden’s top-performing units.

Job Creation and Staff Retention Goals

Olive Garden isn’t just opening stores — it’s creating thousands of jobs with a goal to improve staff retention by 20% by 2026.

In 2025, they’ve already:

• Increased starting wages in 14 states
  
• Re-launched leadership training for servers and managers
  
• Piloted a 4-day workweek at select locations
  

The company knows that great food is only part of the guest experience — great people make the difference.

Long-Term Real Estate and Franchise Expansion Strategy

Although all Olive Garden locations in the U.S. are still corporate-owned, there’s been talk in 2025 about controlled franchise expansion internationally.

Key long-term goals include:

• Entering 2–3 new international markets by 2027
  
• Expanding in Canada with 3 new stores already planned for 2026
  
• Continuing to optimize U.S. real estate, relocating older stores to higher-traffic areas
  

Far from shrinking, this strategy proves Olive Garden is evolving, expanding, and planning decades ahead.

Conclusion: Should You Be Worried About Olive Garden Closing?

If you’ve stuck with me this far, I hope you see the bigger picture. All those dramatic headlines asking “Is Olive Garden Closing?” just don’t match the facts.

The Facts Speak for Themselves

• Revenue is up year over year
  
• New locations are opening across the U.S.
  
• Olive Garden is investing in staff, tech, and community impact
  
• And they’re still serving millions of customers every month
  

This is not a company pulling back — this is a brand digging in deeper for the long haul.

What Diners Can Expect Going Forward

If you’re a fan of Olive Garden — like I’ve been for years — here’s what you can expect:

• Same great food, with new value bundles and health-conscious options
  
• A smoother takeout and delivery experience than ever before
  
• More locations in more neighborhoods across the country
  

So the next time you see someone ask, “Is Olive Garden closing in 2025?” — now you can answer with confidence: Not even close.

FAQs – Is Olive Garden Closing in 2025?