Our Story
Italy is the inspiration behind our restaurants, from the ingredients we use to our award-winning wine list. Most of all, we are inspired by the Italian culture – warmth, genuine hospitality and the importance placed on family.
Our passion for Italy led us to establish both the Olive Garden Culinary Institute of Tuscany, located on the grounds of the Rocca delle Macie winery, and the Italian Chef Council, a group of chefs based in Italy who meet and collaborate with the Olive Garden executive chefs. To further demonstrate our commitment to Italy, we send a select group of employees each year to the Culinary Institute to become immersed in the culture, gain inspiration and learn the fundamentals of Italian cooking. To date, more than 1200 Olive Garden team members have traveled to Tuscany to participate in this experience.