Big Changes Coming To Olive Garden & Utahn’s Aren’t Happy
The CEO of Olive Garden's parent company has doubled down on a decision that isn't sitting well with customers. Across the country, restaurants are struggling as more people stay home to save money. With gas price high, as well as everything else, we have had to adjust and not drive as often and eat out far less than we already did.
National chains are feeling the pinch, and inflation has driven up operating costs. Many restaurants have responded by offering discounts to attract customers back. However, Rick Cardenas, CEO of Darden Restaurants, which owns Olive Garden, has publicly rejected this strategy, opting instead to raise prices AGAIN.
Olive Garden, with 921 locations in the U.S. and 14 in Utah, is no stranger to price increases. According to statesman.com, last quarter saw a 1% increase in menu prices. While this negatively affected dollar sales, it managed to keep customers returning, demonstrating the brand's loyal following despite higher costs. But how long can loyal customers hold out?
This recent price hike follows a whopping 3.5% increase from the previous year. Darden Restaurants, the parent company, also owns several other popular chains such as LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's, and Bahama Breeze. The decision to raise prices across its restaurants indicates a broader strategy to cope with rising operational costs.
Sales are down across the board, affecting everything from fast-food outlets to casual dining establishments. The combination of declining sales and inflation has left these companies scrambling to find effective solutions. While some have chosen to lower prices to entice customers, Darden has taken the opposite approach.
With multiple price increases, the question is: will you continue to dine at Olive Garden? This strategy might keep loyal customers returning, but it risks alienating those sensitive to price changes.
If you check out the Yelp* reviews for St. George, Utah, there are some great recommendations and great reviews, and they change ALL THE TIME. I have seriously gone to write about great food and great prices several times and the top 5 have been different every time. That just means we have a ton of great options!
I love to go out to eat, but I am not loaded so it is fun to be reminded of all the options in town. Along with the arts in southern Utah, we also have some GREAT food. I am a self proclaimed foodie. But I like it all, not just the fancy stuff.
Here are the top 5 recommendations in town, from Yelp with only one $.
5. Croshaw's Pies
175 W 900 S St. George, UT 84770
Tues - Sat: 11am - 6pm
Sun - Mon: Closed
First off, I learned something new. I learned that you can order soups and sandwiches from Croshaw's Pies. I had no idea. I know that have a great chicken pot pie. YUM. You can check out the entire menu here: https://www.croshawspies.net/menu/
4. Tom's Deli
175 W 900 S, St. George, UT 84770
Mon-Sat 11am-4pm
Tom's Deli is in the same plaza as Croshaw's Pies. Doesn't that sandwich look happy to see you? They serve hot and cold sandwiches with plenty of toppings and condiments to choose from. More details here: https://www.facebook.com/tomsdelistgeorge/
3. Worlds Best Corndogs
On the Move Daily
If you've never tried these giant corndogs, they are fancy and delicious. I never thought i would LOVE honey on my corndog but I do. I also have to split this meal.
This is a food truck that travels the state. We love our food trucks in St George! ♥ More pictures and details here: https://worldsbestcorndogs.com/menu/
#1 Honolulu Grill
706 East 700 South, St. George, UT 84770
This is exactly what I order when I go. So good. It's fast and they have great deals. You can find more info about their 2 locations here:https://www.honolulugrill.net/menu
If you don't see your inexpensive favorite on the list, make sure you go give them a great review. We need to get in the habit of praising what we like instead of just bashing what we don't.
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