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OLIVE GARDEN CORPORATE FACT SHEET
Olive Garden is committed to its purpose of Hospitaliano! – providing 100 percent guest delight
through the genuine Italian dining experience. This passion is continuing to advance Olive
Garden’s leadership position in the highly competitive, full-service Italian segment of the casual
dining industry. Here are some facts about this family of local restaurants:
BACKGROUND:
Founded in 1982, Olive Garden is owned by Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI), the largest
casual dining restaurant company in the world.
Olive Garden is the leading restaurant in the Italian dining segment with 670 restaurants, more
than 80,000 employees and $3.1 billion in annual sales.
GUEST EXPERIENCE:
Italians have a passion for sharing genuine hospitality with family and friends. So, at Olive
Garden, “When you’re here, you’re family,” is more than a tag line. It is the brand promise to
delight more than 3.3 million guests every week with fresh, simple delicious Italian food; awardwinning wine and beverage choices; service in a comfortable home-like Italian setting; and the
experience of being treated like family.
EMPLOYEE CULTURE:
Olive Garden attributes much of its success to its commitment to training and developing
restaurant team members with initiatives, such as weeklong manager visits to Olive Garden’s
Culinary Institute of Tuscany in Italy and more than 500,000 training hours invested in wine
education.
AWARDS:
Olive Garden’s award-winning culinary, beverage and training teams have garnered national
recognition for their innovation, program execution and industry leadership from top trade
publications and food service organizations.
FINANCIALS:
The achievement of 57 consecutive quarters of same restaurant sales increases far out-paces the
casual dining industry.
Sales of $3.1 billion in FY08.
Average annual sales of $4.9 million per restaurant.
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT:
Dave Pickens, President
Valerie Insignares, Executive Vice President of Operations
John Caron, Executive Vice President of Marketing
Page #1
Last Updated February 2009
CULINARY INSTITUTE OF TUSCANY FACT SHEET
BACKGROUND:
In October 1999, Olive Garden announced an unprecedented partnership with Sergio and
Daniela Zingarelli, owners of the Italian winery of Rocca delle Macie, one of Italy’s leading
producers of Tuscan wines.
The partnership consists of two elements:
Olive Garden Riserva di Fizzano, a restaurant in Tuscany, Italy, specializing in Tuscan cuisine;
and the Olive Garden Culinary Institute of Tuscany where Olive Garden managers gain an even
greater appreciation for and knowledge of Italian cooking techniques, food, wine and culture.
Both serve as the inspiration for many of the flavorful dishes featured on Olive Garden’s menu.
LOCATION:
Both are located in a restored 11th-century village on the 450-acre Riserva di Fizzano, a property
owned by Rocca delle Macie that includes a 21-room inn. Rocca delle Macie is located in the
scenic rolling hills of Tuscany in Castellina in Chianti, near Siena.
CULINARY INSTITUTE OF TUSCANY:
Every year, approximately 100 Olive Garden managers travel to Italy to enhance their culinary
skills as part of an ongoing training program designed to bring the genuine Italian dining
experience alive for managers and, upon their return, to their restaurant teams and guests.
Under the direction of Olive Garden Head Chef Romana Neri, attendees learn more about
selecting and cooking with only the freshest ingredients, how to properly layer sauces, perfect al
dente pasta, and pair sauces and pasta to create the most flavorful meals.
Managers visit the Rocca delle Macie winery and are introduced to Italy’s illustrious history of
winemaking and enhance their knowledge of food and wine pairings.
Time is also spent in the al fresco markets of Florence and dining and sightseeing throughout
Tuscany and Rome.
To date, more than 800 managers and team members have trained at Olive Garden’s Culinary
Institute of Tuscany and enjoyed weeklong immersions in Italian food, wine and culture.
Page #2
Last Updated February 2009
OLIVE GARDEN
Site Selection Criteria
Building Criteria
Building Square Footage
Land needs
Location
Parking requirements
Building Height
6,400 – 7,500
1.7 – 2.4 acres (16,900 – 17,700 sf pad)
Prime regional focal point
125 - 145 spaces
22’
Typical Lease Terms
Base Rent
CAM
Tax
Insurance
% Rent
Initial Term
Renewal Options
Negotiable
Negotiable – Cap and audit rights required
Pro-rata
Pro-rata
None
10 years
Four 5-year options
Demographic Requirements
Population
Traffic Count
Area of Focus
Trade areas with a minimum of 100,000 people within
a 15 minute drive time.
30,000 A.D.T
Prime regional locations
Comments
We prefer to own our real estate but will consider
ground leases. Contact Information Link
Last Updated: March 2008
We proudly serve a selection of specialties inspired by our
Culinary Institute of Tuscany. Olive Garden chefs train at
this cooking school located at Riserva di Fizzano, an eleventh
century village in the heart of Italy’s Tuscany region.
Antipasti (Appetizers)
Create a Sampler Italiano
Choose from: calamari, stuffed mushrooms,
fried zucchini, chicken fingers, fried mozzarella
or toasted beef and pork ravioli.
Three Choices 00.00 Two Choices 00.00
Cucina Classica (Classic Recipes)
Lasagna Classico
Fettuccine Alfredo
Layers of pasta, meat sauce and mozzarella,
ricotta, parmesan and romano cheese.* 00.00
Parmesan cream sauce with a hint of garlic,
served over fettuccine. 00.00
Five Cheese Ziti al Forno
Eggplant Parmigiana
Ziti pasta in a five cheese marinara sauce, baked
with a layer of melted Italian cheeses. 00.00
Lightly breaded eggplant, fried and topped
with marinara sauce, mozzarella and
parmesan cheese. 00.00
Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta
Oven-baked smoked mozzarella, provolone,
parmesan and romano cheese. Served with
Tuscan bread. 00.00
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Traditional meat sauce seasoned with garlic
and herbs over spaghetti.* 00.00
Mussels di Napoli
Bruschetta
A traditional topping of roma tomatoes, fresh
basil and extra-virgin olive oil. Served with
toasted ciabatta bread. 00.00
Caprese Flatbread
Mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and basil on
flatbread crust with garlic spread. 00.00
Grilled Chicken Flatbread
Grilled chicken, mozzarella cheese, roasted red
peppers and basil on flatbread crust with alfredo
sauce and garlic spread. 00.00
Calamari
Tender calamari, lightly breaded and fried.
Served with parmesan-peppercorn and
marinara sauces. 00.00
Mussels in the shell, simmered with wine,
garlic-butter and onions. 00.00
Dipping Sauces for Breadsticks
Freshly prepared alfredo or marinara sauce,
served warm. 00.00
Sicilian Scampi
Large shrimp sautéed in extra-virgin olive oil
with white wine, garlic and lemon. 00.00
Stuffed Mushrooms
Parmesan, romano and mozzarella cheese,
clams and herb breadcrumbs baked in
mushroom caps. 00.00
Hot Artichoke-Spinach Dip
A blend of artichokes, spinach and cream
cheese. Served with Tuscan bread. 00.00
Zuppe e Insalate (Soups & Salads)
Chicken & Gnocchi
Garden-Fresh Salad
A creamy soup made with roasted chicken,
traditional Italian dumplings and spinach. 00.00
Our famous house salad, tossed with our
signature Italian dressing. 00.00
Pasta e Fagioli
White and red beans, ground beef, tomatoes
and pasta in a savory broth. 00.00
Minestrone
Fresh vegetables, beans and pasta in a light
tomato broth – a vegetarian classic. 00.00
(Unlimited refills!)
Grilled Chicken Caesar
Grilled chicken over romaine in a creamy
Caesar dressing topped with imported
parmesan cheese and croutons. 00.00
Linguine alla Marinara
Pasta with a zesty blend of ripe tomatoes,
onions and herbs. 00.00
Chicken Parmigiana
Parmesan-breaded chicken breasts, fried
and topped with marinara sauce and
mozzarella cheese. 00.00
Capellini Pomodoro
Roma tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil and extra-virgin
olive oil tossed with capellini. 00.00
Grilled pork tenderloin marinated in extra-virgin
olive oil and rosemary. Served with Tuscan
potatoes and bell peppers. 00.00
Create Your Own Pizza
Chicken Alfredo Pizza
Enjoy your pizza entrée with unlimited
homemade soup or garden-fresh salad.
Choose up to four toppings. 00.00
Pizza topped with grilled chicken, Italian cheeses,
alfredo sauce and scallions. Served with unlimited
homemade soup or garden-fresh salad. 00.00
Pepperoni, bell peppers, Italian sausage, onions,
mushrooms, black olives or roma tomatoes.
Pizzas are also available as an appetizer. 00.00
**These menu items are cooked to order. Consuming raw or undercooked meats
may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
An optional 18% gratuity will be added to parties of 8 or more.
D$00 0309
Chicken & Gnocchi Veronese
Tour of Italy
Chicken and shrimp with bucatini pasta in a
pancetta bacon and parmesan cream sauce, baked
and topped with seasoned breadcrumbs. 00.00
Oven-roasted chicken breast stuffed with Italian
cheeses and sun-dried tomatoes, topped with
mushrooms and a creamy marsala sauce. Served
with garlic parmesan mashed potatoes. 00.00
Homemade lasagna, lightly breaded chicken
parmigiana and creamy fettuccine alfredo.* 00.00
Stuffed Chicken Marsala
Pesce (Fish & Seafood)
Herb-Grilled Salmon
Shrimp Primavera
Steak Gorgonzola-Alfredo
Grilled beef medallions drizzled with balsamic
glaze, served over fettuccine tossed with
spinach and gorgonzola-alfredo sauce.** 00.00
Shrimp, bell peppers, onions and mushrooms
in a bold arrabbiata sauce over penne. 00.00
Steak prepared medium unless otherwise requested.
Salmon filet brushed with Italian herbs and
extra-virgin olive oil. Served with seasoned
broccoli. 00.00
Seafood Alfredo
Grilled Shrimp Caprese
Grilled marinated shrimp served over angel
hair pasta with melted mozzarella, fresh basil
and tomatoes in a garlic-butter sauce. 00.00
Sautéed shrimp and scallops tossed with creamy
fettuccine alfredo. 00.00
Shrimp & Asparagus Risotto
Mixed Grill
Skewers of grilled marinated steak and chicken
with a rosemary demi-glace, served with grilled
vegetables and Tuscan potatoes.** 00.00
Large sautéed shrimp served over creamy
parmesan risotto with asparagus. 00.00
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Oven-baked delicate white fish crusted
with parmesan cheese. Served with Italian
vegetables over angel hair tossed in a light
garlic-butter sauce. 00.00
Seafood Portofino
Mussels, scallops, shrimp and mushrooms with
linguine in a garlic-butter wine sauce. 00.00
Seafood selections subject to availability.
Pasta Ripiena (Filled Pastas)
Ravioli di Portobello
Garden Fare
®
For years Italians have turned fresh ingredients into flavorful, balanced meals. Our
Garden Fare choices allow you to personalize your Italian meal to help meet your needs.
Tender sliced short ribs and portobello
mushrooms tossed with asiago-filled
tortelloni in a basil-marsala sauce. 00.00
Portobello mushroom-filled ravioli in
a creamy smoked cheese and sun-dried
tomato sauce. 00.00
If You’re Looking For Low Fat Options...
Cheese Ravioli
Manicotti Formaggio
If You’re Watching Carbohydrates...
Cheese-filled ravioli topped with marinara or
meat sauce and melted Italian cheeses.* 00.00
Ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan cheese and herbs,
baked in pasta rolls with marinara sauce. 00.00
This olive branch will lead you to our delicious low fat entrées.
~
~
Savor one of our grilled entrées with fresh vegetables in place of potatoes.
Enjoy our pasta entrées with whole wheat linguine.
Ask your server for our Nutrition Information Guide.
Specialties inspired by our Culinary Institute of Tuscany.SM
*Our meat sauce is made with pan seared beef and Italian sausage.
Garlic-Herb Chicken con Broccoli
Chicken breast tenderloins sautéed with
bell peppers, roasted garlic and onions in
a garlic cream sauce over angel hair. 00.00
Chicken & Shrimp Carbonara
Grilled 14 oz choice center cut Strip steak brushed
with Italian herbs and extra-virgin olive oil. Served
with Tuscan potatoes and bell peppers.** 00.00
Braised Beef & Tortelloni
Pizze (Pizzas)
Grilled chicken tossed with fettuccine and
fresh alfredo sauce. 00.00
Traditional meat sauce over spaghetti with
meatballs (or Italian sausage).* 00.00
Zuppa Toscana
Spicy sausage, russet potatoes and cavolo
greens in a creamy broth. 00.00
Chicken Scampi
Chicken Alfredo
Spaghetti & Meatballs
Chianti Braised Short Ribs
Steak Toscano
Chicken Marsala
Sautéed chicken breasts in a savory sauce of
mushrooms, garlic and marsala wine. Served
with Tuscan potatoes and bell peppers. 00.00
Rosemary-seasoned chicken breasts sautéed
with fresh broccoli in a garlic cream sauce
over orecchiette pasta. 00.00
Steak prepared medium unless otherwise requested.
Tender boneless beef short ribs slow cooked
in a chianti wine sauce. Served with portobello
mushroom risotto and steamed vegetables. 00.00
Venetian Apricot Chicken
Grilled chicken breasts in an apricot citrus
sauce. Served with broccoli, asparagus
and diced tomatoes. 00.00
Sautéed chicken with traditional Italian
dumplings and roasted red peppers in a
parmesan and ricotta cheese sauce. 00.00
Carne (Beef & Pork)
Pork Filettino
Pollo (Chicken)
Enjoy our freshly baked garlic breadsticks and your choice
of homemade soup or garden-fresh salad with any entrée.
Bevande Speciali (Specialty Drinks)
Vini (Wines)
Signature Cocktails
Our wines are listed from milder to bolder to assist you
in selecting a wine that best complements your meal. Saluté!
Italian Margarita
Frescos
Sauza Gold Tequila, Triple Sec and
DiSaronno Amaretto. 0.00
Spumante (sparkling)
glass/split
Asti Martini & Rossi
Prosecco Zonin
Strawberry Fresco
bottle
0.00 00.00
Limoncello Lemonade
0.00 00.00
Frozen lemonade, Smirnoff Citrus Vodka and
Caravella Limoncello – an Italian liqueur. 0.00
Bianco (white & blush)
Slightly Sweet
White Zinfandel Sutter Home
White Zinfandel Beringer
Riesling Chateau Ste. Michelle
Riesling Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve
A refreshing combination of spirits and fresh fruits.
0.00 00.00
Wine
Discoveries
Smirnoff Citrus Vodka, fresh strawberries and
lemonade.* 0.00
Peach Fresco
Venetian Sunset
Stoli Vodka, peach schnapps and fresh
peaches.* 0.00
Martini & Rossi Asti with pineapple and
cherry juices. 0.00
Lime-Mint Fresco
Bacardi Rum, fresh lime juice and mint.* 0.00
0.00 00.00
0.00 00.00
0.00 00.00
Light & Fruity
Pinot Grigio Cavit
Pinot Grigio Montevina
Pinot Grigio Bottega Vinaia
Fiano Mandra Rossa
Pinot Grigio-Sauvignon Blanc Bertani Due Uve
We travel to many wine regions
throughout the year, searching for
the best wines to complement
our Italian cuisine.
Sangrias – Peach, Berry or Tropical
Sicilian Citrus Fresco
A blend of chilled wine, fresh fruit and a splash
of fruit juices. 0.00 glass 00.00 pitcher
Smirnoff Citrus Vodka, Tuaca – an Italian
vanilla liqueur, citrus fruit and Sprite®.* 0.00
Martinis
0.00 00.00
0.00 00.00
Strawberry-Limoncello Martini
Chocolate Martini
0.00 00.00
Smirnoff Citrus Vodka, Caravella Limoncello
and strawberries. 0.00
Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, Smirnoff Vanilla
Twist Vodka and cream. 0.00
0.00 00.00
Pomegranate Margarita Martini
0.00 00.00
Patrón Silver Tequila, Citrónge Orange Liqueur,
pomegranate syrup and fresh citrus juices. 0.00
Full & Smooth
Chardonnay Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi
Chardonnay Chateau Ste. Michelle
Chardonnay Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve
0.00 00.00
Pinot Grigio-Sauvignon Blanc
0.00 00.00
Bertani Due Uve
0.00 / 00.00
0.00 00.00
Rosso (red)
Smooth & Fruity
Lambrusco Riunite
Pinot Noir Cavit
Pinot Noir Estancia
Sangiovese Rocca delle Macie Rubizzo
Valpolicella Secco-Bertani
Nero d’Avola Arancio
0.00 00.00
Mango Martini
Raspberry Sorbeto Martini
Smirnoff Vodka, Chambord black raspberry
liqueur and cream with a float of berry
sorbet. 0.00
Malibu mango rum, mango purée and citrus
juices. 0.00
Italian for “two grapes,” Due Uve
is a fruity white wine made with
pinot grigio and sauvignon blanc
grapes from Veneto, Italy.
A wonderful complement to
salads, seafood and chicken.
Frozen Specialties
0.00 00.00
0.00 00.00
0.00 00.00
0.00 00.00
Bellinis – Strawberry, Peach
or Wild Berry
Daiquiris – Strawberry, Peach,
Mango or Wild Berry
A frozen blend of Martini & Rossi Asti and
fresh fruit.* 0.00
Bacardi Rum and fresh fruit.* 0.00
Frozen Margaritas – Strawberry,
Wild Berry or Strawberry-Mango
Baileys Irish Cream, DiSaronno Amaretto,
Kahlúa and ice cream.* 0.00
Chocolate Almond Amore
A frozen margarita made with Sauza Gold
Tequila and fresh fruit.* 0.00
Frozen Tiramisu
*Available without spirits.
Kahlúa, DiSaronno Amaretto, Tuaca – an
Italian vanilla liqueur and ice cream.* 0.00
0.00 00.00
Chianti Straccali
Chianti Classico Gabbiano
Chianti Classico Riserva Rocca delle Macie
Merlot Ecco Domani
Merlot Columbia Crest Grand Estates
Merlot Clos du Bois
Sangiovese-Syrah Rocca delle Macie SaSyr
0.00 00.00
Sangiovese-Syrah
0.00 00.00
Rocca delle Macie SaSyr
0.00 / 00.00
0.00 00.00
0.00 00.00
0.00 00.00
0.00 00.00
Robust & Rich
Super Tuscan Villa Antinori
Cabernet Robert Mondavi Private Selection
Cabernet Beringer Founders’ Estate
Cabernet Sterling Vintner’s Collection
Red Zinfandel Rancho Zabaco
Barolo Marchesi di Barolo
Amarone Bertani
0.00 00.00
0.00 00.00
(White)
0.00/glass 00.00/magnum bottle
Rosato
(serves 8 glasses)
Sicilian Splash
Italian Sodas and Cream Sodas
Lavazza Espresso • Cappuccino • Caffè Latte
Caffè Mocha • Caramel Hazelnut Macchiato
Frozen Cappuccino
Acqua Panna Natural Spring Water
San Pellegrino Sparkling Mineral Water
Bianco • Rosso • Rosato
Principato
0.00 / 00.00
(Blush)
Specialty Coffees
Available in full and half liter bottles.
Coffee & Hot Teas
Caffè la Toscana Coffee
Herbal and Flavored Hot Teas
Fountain Drinks, Iced Teas & Raspberry Lemonade
Created from select grapes
harvested in the mountains of
northern Italy exclusively for
Olive Garden. Our crisp Bianco,
fruity Rosso and refreshing
Rosato wines are wonderful
complements to any meal.
Coca-Cola Classic® • Diet Coke® • Sprite® • Dr Pepper®
Fresh Brewed Iced Tea • Bellini Peach-Raspberry Iced Tea • Raspberry Lemonade
Complimentary refills of fountain drinks, raspberry lemonade, fruit juices, teas and Caffè la Toscana coffee.
D$00 0309
Bianco
Premium
Budweiser • Bud Light • Miller Lite
Coors Light • Michelob Ultra
O’Doul’s (Non-Alcoholic)
Available in 14 or 20 oz.
Specialties & Bottled Water
Choice of cherry, raspberry, caramel,
orange, vanilla or lemon.
———— 00.00
From family vineyards in Trentino, Italy to your table.
Draft
Budweiser
Bud Light
Bevande (Beverages)
0.00 00.00
———— 00.00
Imports & Specialties
Stella Artois • Peroni • Guinness
Killian’s Red • Samuel Adams
Heineken • Corona • Corona Light
Ask your server for additional offerings of local favorites.
0.00 00.00
Our Signature House Wines
(Red)
Sangiovese and syrah grapes are
hand harvested in Tuscany to
make this ruby red wine with
berry aromas and a smooth finish.
A wonderful complement to
meat and pasta.
0.00 00.00
Principato
Rosso
Birra (Beer)
0.00 00.00
© 2009 Darden Concepts, Inc. Printed in the USA. 030209
Tour of Italy, Create a Sampler Italiano and Caffè la Toscana Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off.
Soft Berry Flavors
Wines from Italy
I
Olive Garden’s Culinary Institute of Tuscany in Italy