Olive Garden updated its menu this week, and diners will no longer be able to enjoy unlimited pasta in its restaurants.
The Italian restaurant chain announced the end of its “Never-Ending Pasta” deal on Facebook last week: “Never-Ending Pasta Bowl is twirling away after this weekend. Say pasta la vista before it’s too late!”
Why It Matters
The limited-time Never-Ending Pasta deal was a way to boost foot traffic and sales amid the larger trend of consumers reeling in spending.
Brands that keep prices low or offer seasonal deals and new menu items tend to maintain market appeal with consumers despite uncertain economic conditions.
What To Know
Olive Garden announced the departure of the Never-Ending Pasta Bowl on Facebook last week, likely drawing many diners over the weekend before the deal ceased.
The limited-time menu option originally went live on August 25, with a price of $13.99. The deal, which includes unlimited pasta, plus endless soup or salad and breadsticks, has returned for several consecutive years to much fanfare among customers.
This year, guests were able to choose the Spicy Three-Meat Sauce for their pasta, which features a blend of chili flakes, cherry peppers, red bell pepper, pepperoni, red wine, garlic and herbs, and homemade meat sauce.
The Never-Ending Pasta Bowl was available until November 16, allowing diners to mix and match up to 96 possible flavor combinations.
The full options were as follows:
Pastas: Fettuccine, Spaghetti, Angel Hair, RigatoniHomemade Sauces: Spicy Three-Meat Sauce, Alfredo, Meat Sauce, Five Cheese Marinara, Traditional Marinara, Creamy MushroomEndless toppings (add for $4.99): Crispy Chicken Fritta, Meatballs, Italian SausageWhat People Are Saying
Jaime Bunker, senior vice president of marketing at Olive Garden, previously told Newsweek: “From our generous portions and never ending first course of freshly baked breadsticks and soup or salad served with every meal, Olive Garden is committed to delivering value to our guests. The return of our Never Ending Pasta Bowl is no different, and we’re proud to bring it back this year at the same price for the fourth year in a row.”
Alex Beene, financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: “Menu options like the never-ending pasta bowl from Olive Garden are more than just entrees; their promotional items to get customers to come back through their doors. With many Americans cutting back on dining out due to inflationary pressures, moves like reintroducing this popular menu offering were designed to draw more business to Olive Garden.”
What Happens Next
The Never-Ending Pasta Bowl deal arrived as a limited-time offer and ended, despite its likely boost to customer visits.
“Most of these additions are not meant to be permanent, as we’re seeing here. Once it has helped to generate more foot traffic, the items are phased out,” Beene added.
Dining and Cooking