Food waste and financial performance: Should Olive Garden drop unlimited breadsticks and salad from its menu?

Keywords

food waste, food cost controls, financial performance, Darden Restaurants, Inc. Olive Garden Restaurants

Abstract

This case study discusses how unlimited and free breadsticks and salad offered in Darden’s (NYSE:DRI) Olive Garden restaurants have contributed to food waste and reduced profitability. This long-standing menu offering sheds lights on the negative impact of increasing amounts of food waste on restaurant sales margins and food costs. It is discussed whether Olive Garden can reduce food waste and increase profit margins with a modification to its unlimited breadstick and salad offerings. Specific discussion topics focus on food waste reduction, cost controls, and financial performance.

Publication Date

1-1-2016

Original Citation

Kizildag, M., Okumus, B., and Hutchinson, J. (2016). Food waste and financial performance: Should Olive Garden drop unlimited breadsticks and salad from its menu? Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Cases,5(2).

Document Type

Article

Language

English

Source Title

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Cases

Volume

5

Issue

2

College

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Location

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

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