Pour some ranch dressing out for die-hard salad lovers. Italian-themed chain Olive Garden has pulled back on its signature unlimited salad deal over diners' fears of contaminated lettuce.
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The recent cyclospora outbreak forced the eatery to cancel a promotional push for the popular offering (which boasts unlimited breadsticks and soup alongside the salad) this past summer, according to Nation's Restaurant News. Since the outbreak centered on tainted iceberg lettuce, the central ingredient of the unlimited salad deal, Olive Garden decided to not push the offering like they normally would over the summer.
Back in July, Taylor Farms recalled lettuce from central Mexico from its US market due to outbreak concerns. The recall affected 27 states, including South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
"As a family owned company, we are deeply concerned for those who became ill, their families, and the Americans who trust in the safety of fresh produce has been shaken," the company said at the time.
The outbreak reportedly caused hospitalizations and severe symptoms among diners, with some even suing lettuce-heavy restaurants like Taco Bell.
Olive Garden Head Honcho Partially Blames Lettuce Parasite Outbreak for a Weak Quarter
Of course, Olive Garden wasn't responsible for the lettuce parasite outbreak. However, Raj Vennam, CFO of parent company Darden Restaurants, blamed the headline-grabbing event for hurting their earnings last quarter, according to Nation's Restaurant News. Vennam, in an earnings call earlier this week, noted Olive Garden had its lowest earnings since 2024 during the last quarter.
This contrasts considerably with a reported 6% growth at the same time last year.
That said, the company rebounded later in the quarter, which ended Aug. 30.
Vennam cited fears over contaminated lettuce easing later in the summer, as well as launching a lettuce-free Never-Ending Pasta Bowl promotion in August.
However, loyal Olive Garden diners yearning to feel the glory of unlimited salad passing down their gullets are in luck. The Nation's Restaurant News reports that the chain plans to revive the offering later this quarter.
