Franchise News
The oversized menu illustrates how some brands are leaning into larger portions and less nutrition-conscious options despite overall cultural shifts toward healthy eating.
Haters will say it’s Photoshopped: Restaurant Business reports that Olive Garden is now offering a limited-time Giant Italian Classics menu which features oversized entrees and puts a heavy emphasis on value.
The initiative was developed after Olive Garden saw a 4.3 percent rise in same-store sales during the third quarter, which management cited as largely due to its 50 percent boost in chicken included in its signature Chicken Alfredo dish, according to the article.
Other major chains, like the franchise Sonic, have also recently leaned into targeting “loyal fast-food customers” who desire less-healthy options “even as eating habits shift in the U.S.” toward salads and more nutritious options.
Olive Garden’s supersized offerings reportedly include spaghetti with a “softball-sized” meatball, a parmigiana with a chicken fillet that’s nearly a foot long and three large stuffed shells meals. Unlimited salad and breadsticks are, of course, included. The menu is available through May 27.
Read the full Restaurant Business article here.
Image Source: Olive Garden
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About the Author
Emily Clouse is a staff writer for 1851 Franchise. Her work has been featured with publications such as The Onion, Reductress, and Chicago Magazine. She graduated from The Ohio State University before running away to join the Peace Corps. In her free time, she enjoys drawing and walking to Jewel-Osco.
