Olive Garden has sparked debate after confirming it is testing smaller, more affordable entree portions at some US locations. The Italian casual dining chain, owned by Darden Restaurants, introduced a 'Lighter Portion Entrées' menu featuring reduced-size versions of seven popular dishes, including Chicken Parmigiana and Lasagna Classico.
Priced between $12.99 and $13.99, the smaller portions are available at about 40 percent of Olive Garden locations. On weekdays, the lighter options are offered at dinner, while on weekends they are available all day. Customers still receive unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad with the smaller meals.
CEO Rick Cardenas said the test aims to improve affordability and menu variety. Early results show a 15 percent rise in affordability scores, nearly 6 percent increase in same-restaurant sales, and almost 3 percent growth in customer traffic at test locations. The chain's famous Never Ending Pasta Bowl remains available starting at $13.99.
Critics have accused Olive Garden of 'shrinkflation', but the company insists the move is about offering choice. There are no immediate plans for a chain-wide rollout. Olive Garden operates over 900 restaurants and employs more than 99,000 people.
