Does Olive Garden have free refills?

Olive Garden is known for a few things. Namely, its never-ending offerings, like soup, salad, breadsticks, and pasta. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end—even those that are supposed to be never-ending. Olive Garden's incoming new CEO revealed that the restaurant may never bring back its never-ending pasta bowl promotion.

According to Business Insider, the deal, which gets you a bowl of pasta with endless refills for $10.99, was one Olive Garden would roll out periodically. Customers could enjoy as much pasta as they could stomach under the promotion, as well as unlimited breadsticks and salad. For an extra price, they could add accouterments to their dishes like shrimp or meatballs.

The promotion has reportedly not been rolled out since 2019, and, according to CEO Ricardo Cardenas, may not return.

"We don't know if or when we'll bring it back," he said on the call, citing a "negative impact."

Business Insider noted that the promotion succeeded in drawing in customers, but did not help the chain increase profit margins. Basically, the promotion was a hail Mary that Olive Garden would deploy in times of low sales. Currently, however, sales are up at the chain over pre-COVID-19 levels, as well as ahead of the last time it offered its never-ending pasta bowl promo.

Long story short, Olive Garden is trying to "reduce dependency" on flashy promos like this one to draw folks in, according to Cardenas. However, those that come for the never-ending salad and breadsticks need not fear. Olive Garden will not be doing away with its bottomless first course. Phew!

Carb lovers, it’s time to celebrate: Olive Garden’s unlimited breadsticks are back on the menu after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The famously endless basket of breadsticks was removed from the menu in 2020 in response to the pandemic – in part because they shifted to a take-out focus, and in part to cut costs. 

Like many businesses, especially restaurants, the COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on Olive Garden. In 2020, many restaurants could not allow in-person dining.

Unlimited breadsticks were not available for take out orders, so this option was removed from the menu temporarily. Luckily, unlimited breadsticks are back! 

Can You Get Unlimited Breadsticks at Olive Garden? 

Yes! The unlimited breadsticks, as well as unlimited soup and salad, is available at Olive Garden once again. These offerings are for dine-in customers only, so if you’re ordering take out, you won’t be able to take advantage of this deal. 

If you order an entree at Olive Garden, you can enjoy unlimited breadsticks with your meal. You may have to ask your server to refill your breadstick basket, but there are no limits to how many times you can ask. 

While there have been rumors of Olive Garden closing, the business is actually thriving now that indoor dining has returned in most areas.

Never ending soup, salad, and breadsticks are some of the most popular offerings, and since they’re in stores only, sales are booming.

Some reports say that 2021 has exceeded 2019 sales, pre-pandemic. 

How many breadsticks do you get at Olive Garden? 

When you first sit, your server will bring out a basket of breadsticks – typically one for every member of your party plus one. If you don’t order any food, that’s all you’ll get.

If you order an entree, however, then unlimited breadsticks are included in your meal.

Servers won’t automatically refill your basket of breadsticks every time it’s empty, but if you ask, you shall receive. The only limit is how many you can fit in your stomach! 

How many breadsticks do you get with Olive Garden To Go? 

If you get Olive Garden to go, you can still get breadsticks.

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Typically, you’ll get two breadsticks per entree ordered. If you want more, however, you can order an extra side of breadsticks, which comes with 6. 

Can you take breadsticks home from Olive Garden? 

If you haven’t finished all the breadsticks at your table, you can take the leftover home.

Your Olive Garden server is not allowed, however, to refill your breadsticks as you’re leaving just so that you can take some home. 

It’s not uncommon for patrons to try to sneak extra breadsticks home, but it typically isn’t allowed, other than the ones you weren’t able to finish at the table. 

Final Thoughts

With Olive Garden unlimited breadsticks back on the table, you’re sure to leave full and happy.

Check out our favorite Olive Garden dishes to plan your next night out!

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