A POPULAR Italian chain that foodies have dubbed superior to rival Olive Garden has officially confirmed a location’s last day after three decades.
The Maggiano’s Little Italy will turn off its lights for good in just days – but it’s not all bad news for Italian food lovers.
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An Olive Garden rival is shutting down a beloved location after 30 yearsCredit: ALAMY
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Maggianos Little Italy, founded in 1991, is a popular Italian-American chain and competitor to Olive GardenCredit: Getty
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Maggiano’s is shutting down a location for good in just days, although it’s not all bad news for fansCredit: Getty
Founded in 1991, Maggiano’s is a casual dining chain serving up authentic Italian-American dishes, with dozens of spots across the US.
After the chain was purchased by Brinker International in 1995 – the parent company behind Chili’s Grill & Bar – Maggiano’s expanded to over 30 states.
The iconic chain, however, has put a spot up on the chopping block.
Maggiano’s is officially closing down its two-story location at Tysons Galleria in Tysons, Virginia – roughly 10 miles from Washington DC – after a long run, with the spot opening at the mall back in the mid-1990s.
Its last day will be on Tuesday, September 23, ahead of a planned move right across the street to Tysons Corner Center, another shopping center, staff told a local outlet.
The new space saw construction begin earlier this summer, with the new Maggiano’s to occupy roughly 17,078 square feet on the first floor of Tysons Corner Center, per Fairfax County permits.
The space will be located near the Coastal Flats restaurant and combine what used to be La Sandia and Brio.
FORK FIGHT
When Maggiano’s opens in Tysons Corner Center in 2026, the new location will be just steps away from the Olive Garden in Vienna, Virginia – making for some friendly competition between the two beloved Italian-American chains.
While both joints are known for their family-style dining, many foodies prefer Maggiano’s for its scratch-made dishes such as homemade pastas, signature salads, and classic entrées.
Fans of both chains debated which was superior in an old Reddit thread, with one user noting that Maggiano’s pricing was comparable to Olive Garden and questioning if the quality and taste was more favorable.
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The general consensus in the comments was that Maggiano’s was tastier, with one user saying it’s the kind of chain that “you’ll be surprised to learn is a chain” due to its quality food and experience.
They noted that they treated their parents to the restaurant when they visited for a “guaranteed good meal,” as another praised Maggiano’s as being “awesome.”
“I think its much better than Olive Garden,” said another, commending its large portions and calling the chain “classier than Olive Garden.”
DEALS ON DEALS
Although some foodies have praised the Italian-American chain for being a classier alternative to Olive Garden, eating at Maggiano’s doesn’t mean you have to break the bank.
The beloved chain is serving up the savings with two tasty promotions.
Dining deals: Maggiano’s
Maggiano’s new Big Deal: two courses for $20
Choice of individual salad paired with a classic full-size entrée for $20Add dessert for $5 more
Maggiano’s Double Your Portion: carryout deal to double your portion for just a fraction of the cost more
Appetizers +$8Salads +$10Pastas & Chicken +$10Seafood +$15Sides +$3Desserts +$6
Maggiano’s fans can score “big flavor at an even bigger value” with the restaurant’s new Big Deal for just $20.
Customers can pick their choice of a fresh individual salad paired with a classic full-size entrée such as Fettucine Alfredo or Rigatoni alla Vodka, adding a scratch-made dessert for just $5 more.
Foodies can also stretch their dollars with Maggiano’s beloved Double Your Portion, or DOPO, carryout deal, back for a limited time.
“That means double the servings of craveable classics – like Rigatoni ‘D’ – without doubling the bill. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, a cozy date night in, or even a weekend of leftovers, DOPO offers convenience without compromise,” said the company.
Maggiano’s previously rolled out a permanent “premium” menu with five new dishes, serving up classy bites without the price associated with fine-dining.
Rival Olive Garden is similarly taking strides to lure in cost-conscious diners, offering six wine samples for just $1.50 – but the deal isn’t available everywhere.
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Dining and Cooking