Ever enjoyed Olive Garden’s warm breadsticks and creamy Alfredo and wondered, “Who actually owns this huge Italian-American chain?”
The answer may surprise you—Olive Garden isn’t family-owned or independently run. It belongs to one of the largest restaurant corporations in America: Darden Restaurants, Inc.
Who Owns Olive Garden?
Olive Garden is owned by Darden Restaurants, Inc., a major U.S. hospitality company that controls some of the most popular dining brands in the country.
A Quick Look at Olive Garden’s History
- Olive Garden first opened in 1982 in Orlando, Florida.
- Originally created by General Mills, the company famous for cereals and baking brands.
- In 1995, General Mills spun off its restaurant division, forming Darden Restaurants, which took full ownership of Olive Garden.
- Since then, Olive Garden has grown into one of the most recognized casual-dining chains in America.
Who Is Darden Restaurants?
Darden Restaurants is a publicly traded restaurant group (Ticker: DRI) headquartered in Orlando, Florida. It owns more than 2,100+ restaurants across the U.S.
Popular Brands Owned by Darden:
- Olive Garden
- LongHorn Steakhouse
- The Capital Grille
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House
- Bahama Breeze
- Yard House
- Seasons 52
- Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
Darden is known for its large-scale operations, strong supply chain, and consistent nationwide performance — which is why Olive Garden remains so reliable and recognizable.
Why This Ownership Matters
Being part of Darden gives Olive Garden:
- Stronger supply chains for ingredients
- Consistent recipe standards across locations
- Massive marketing support
- Financial strength for expansion
- National-level brand recognition
This is why Olive Garden continues to dominate the casual Italian-dining market.
Conclusion
Olive Garden may feel like a cozy, family-style Italian restaurant, but behind the scenes, it’s powered by Darden Restaurants, one of America’s biggest and most influential dining corporations. This ownership is the reason Olive Garden remains consistent, affordable, and widely available across hundreds of U.S. cities.
FAQs About Olive Garden Ownership
1. Is Olive Garden privately owned?
No. Olive Garden is owned by Darden Restaurants, a publicly traded company.
2. Does General Mills still own Olive Garden?
No. General Mills originally launched the brand, but ownership shifted to Darden in 1995.
3. Who is the CEO of Darden Restaurants?
The CEO changes over time, but Darden oversees Olive Garden at the corporate level — not an individual owner.
4. How many Olive Garden locations exist?
There are nearly 900 Olive Garden restaurants across the U.S.
5. Is Olive Garden considered authentic Italian?
Not traditional Italian — it’s Italian-American, designed for American tastes, comfort, and affordability.
If you want to explore what the brand serves today, don’t forget to check the complete Olive Garden menu for the latest dishes and prices.