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Olive Garden Media
Mark Jaronski
Please direct all non-media inquiries to: |
 Culinary
Olive Garden’s culinary team has garnered national recognition for its innovation, menu execution and industry leadership. At the center of Olive Garden’s culinary success is the Olive Garden Riserva di Fizzano restaurant in Tuscany, Italy, which serves as the inspiration for many of the flavorful dishes on the menu, and the Culinary Institute of Tuscany where culinary teams enhance their knowledge of traditional Italian cooking techniques. Most recently, Nation’s Restaurant News presented Olive Garden with the “MenuMasters” award for best menu revamp and Restaurants & Institutions bestowed its “Choice in Chains” honor for Italian dining. Olive Garden has also been named Chain of the Year by Restaurant Hospitality and received the Silver Skillet for overall menu excellence from Restaurant Business. Beverage
Olive Garden is an industry leader in beverage development, implementing innovative initiatives and employee training programs designed to bring the genuine Italian dining experience to each guest. As a result, Olive Garden has been recognized with several national and industry awards. Most recently, Cheers magazine honored Olive Garden with the Best Signature Drink award for its new and unique Granitas, an Italian specialty drink served in an ice-lined martini glass with a flavored rim. In 2002 Cheers presented Olive Garden with the Best Overall Beverage Program award and with the Best Chain Restaurant Wine Program award in 2001. Both awards are a tribute to Olive Garden’s ongoing wine and beverage employee education initiatives. Additionally, Olive Garden has received the designation of “America’s Best Casual Dining Wine List” by the Monterey Wine Festival and The Wall Street Journal has recognized Olive Garden for having the best wine program among the top 10 casual dining restaurants in the country. |
