Olive Garden Closes Most Locations on Thanksgiving, Christmas

URGENT UPDATE: Olive Garden has just announced that it will close most of its locations on both Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, impacting thousands of diners nationwide. This decision marks a significant shift for the popular restaurant chain, which is known for its festive holiday offerings.

The closures will affect the majority of Olive Garden’s locations across the United States on these major holidays, which fall on November 23, 2023, and December 25, 2023. While specific numbers of affected restaurants were not disclosed, this decision is expected to resonate with families looking to celebrate the holidays together.

The reasons behind this unexpected move are reportedly tied to staffing challenges and a desire to give employees time off to spend with their families during the holiday season. An official statement from the company emphasized the importance of work-life balance, stating,

“We believe our team members deserve time to celebrate with their loved ones.”

For many loyal customers, this news is likely to stir disappointment as Olive Garden has traditionally been a favored spot for holiday gatherings. The decision reflects broader trends in the restaurant industry, where many establishments are reassessing holiday hours in light of labor shortages and changing consumer expectations.

As the holiday season approaches, families will need to make alternative dining arrangements. This closure could lead to increased traffic at other nearby restaurants that remain open, raising concerns about availability and wait times for those looking to dine out on these holidays.

What happens next? Customers are urged to check with their local Olive Garden for specific details regarding hours of operation in the days leading up to the holidays. As the situation develops, keep an eye on Olive Garden’s official channels for updates and further announcements.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we monitor the changes in the restaurant landscape during the upcoming holiday season.