Olive Garden fans have reason to celebrate as two long-lost classics is confirmed to make their triumphant return to the restaurant’s menu. After a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, Olive Garden will reintroduce the beloved Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo and Stuffed Chicken Marsala in an attempt to recapture the hearts of those who have missed these iconic menu items for far too long. Below is everything we know about the impending comeback of these fan favorites.
CEO Confirms Return of Beloved Olive Garden Dishes
Rick Cardenas, CEO of Olive Garden’s parent company, Darden Restaurants, shared the exciting announcement during a September 19th earnings call discussing the company’s latest quarterly results. He revealed that the popular Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo and Stuffed Chicken Marsala will return to Olive Garden’s menu later this year, but didn’t disclose the exact launch date. So, fans eager for the comeback will need to watch for updates on when these classics will officially be available again.
For those who need a refresher, Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo features fettuccine alfredo pasta tossed with creamy gorgonzola cheese, grilled steak, and a tangy balsamic glaze. Stuffed Chicken Marsala, on the other hand, consists of a chicken breast filled with cheese and sundried tomatoes. The stuffed chicken was then served in a rich Marsala wine sauce with a side of mashed potatoes.
“Both have been recreated with upgraded ingredients and streamlined preparation for the restaurant teams,” Cardenas said of the two returning menu items. “Additionally, these dishes help fill a gap in Olive Garden’s menu for center-of-the-plate, protein-focused offerings.”
During the call, Cardenas also mentioned that Olive Garden’s culinary team has been working on introducing more signature dishes similar to Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo and Stuffed Chicken Marsala “to give their guests another reason to visit in the back half of this fiscal year.”
Olive Garden’s Never Ending Pasta Bowl Gets a New Sauce Option
The return of the two discontinued dishes wasn’t the only exciting update from Olive Garden last week. During the investor call, Cardenas also announced the addition of a new garlic herb sauce to the chain’s popular Never-Ending Pasta Bowl promotion, which was relaunched just last month. Currently, customers enjoying this all-you-can-eat deal have several sauce options to choose from, including Creamy Mushroom (860 calories), Traditional Marinara (150 calories), Five Cheese Marinara (400 calories), Traditional Meat (300 calories), and Alfredo (870 calories).
Olive Garden Partners with Uber Eats for On-Demand Delivery
Following three consecutive quarters of declining same-store sales and a year-over-year decrease in customer visits, Olive Garden is taking steps to boost its customer base and combat declining sales. The restaurant chain has announced a new partnership with Uber Eats to offer on-demand delivery services. Starting in late 2024, Olive Garden will pilot the delivery program at select locations. If successful, the company plans to expand the service nationwide by May 2025. This strategic move aims to attract more customers and provide greater convenience for those who prefer to enjoy Olive Garden’s dishes from the comfort of their own homes.