Olive Garden, the popular Italian restaurant chain, has announced that all 900 of its U.S. locations will be closed on both Thanksgiving and Christmas Day this year. This decision comes as part of the company’s commitment to the well-being of its employees, allowing them to spend quality time with their families during these important holidays.
Diners hoping to enjoy Olive Garden’s renowned breadsticks, soup, and salad on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, or Christmas Day, December 25, will need to look elsewhere for dining options. This closure reflects a growing trend among major retail and restaurant chains that are rethinking the tradition of operating during significant holidays.
In line with its long-held philosophy of treating employees and guests as family, Olive Garden’s initiative aims to create a supportive work environment. The company’s decision allows team members the opportunity to create lasting memories with their loved ones on these special occasions.
It’s worth noting that while most U.S. locations will be closed, Olive Garden has specified that its restaurants in Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and some international locations may operate under different schedules. Guests in these areas are encouraged to contact their local restaurant for specific holiday hours.
As for the days leading up to these holidays, customers should be aware that individual Olive Garden locations may close early on November 26 and Christmas Eve, depending on local customer traffic and at the discretion of each restaurant. To ensure a smooth visit, it is recommended that diners call their preferred location ahead of time during this busy period to confirm operating hours and avoid unexpected closures.
Regular operating hours will resume the day after each holiday, with locations reopening on November 28 and December 26, and maintaining standard hours throughout the holiday season.
Olive Garden’s decision aligns it with a host of other retailers, such as Walmart, Target, and Costco, which have also opted to close on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. This shift represents a commitment to employee wellness and work-life balance, marking a significant change from the traditional focus on maximizing holiday sales.
For those eager to enjoy Italian cuisine on these holidays, other dining chains like Bravo! Italian Kitchen and Romano’s Macaroni Grill are expected to remain open. However, customers are advised to confirm hours and availability due to changing holiday schedules.
With the holiday season approaching rapidly, families are encouraged to plan ahead and make early reservations to avoid last-minute disappointments. This evolving landscape of holiday dining reflects a wider trend among companies re-evaluating their holiday operations and prioritizing the well-being of their employees.