Olive Garden Teams Up with Uber Direct to Offer Delivery
New Partnership Brings Convenience to Customers
Olive Garden has announced that it is teaming up with Uber Direct to offer delivery for the first time. As part of the partnership, individual orders will be picked up and delivered by Uber Direct, a premium delivery service. Olive Garden will not be listed on the broader Uber Eats platform.
Pilot Program to Launch Later This Year
The delivery option will launch as a pilot program later this year, with the potential to expand nationwide by May 2025 if the initial pilot is successful. Darden Restaurants, the parent company of Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and other chains, made the announcement on Thursday.
Darden Shares Jump 7% in Morning Trading
Darden shares jumped 7% in morning trading on Thursday following the announcement.
Reversal of Previous Stance
This move marks a reversal for Darden, which has long delivered large catering orders itself but has resisted third-party delivery for individual orders in the past. In 2018, Darden’s then-President and CEO Gene Lee said the company was testing third-party delivery but was skeptical.
Concerns Over Data Sharing
Lee was also concerned about sharing the company’s data with third parties. However, Darden has stated that it will retain “guest data and insights” as part of the partnership.
Guests Have Been Asking for Delivery Options
Rick Cardenas, Darden’s current president and CEO, said in a statement, “Guests have been asking us for home delivery options and they continue to show they are willing to pay for the convenience.”
Technology in Place to Manage Order Volumes
In a conference call with investors, Cardenas said it was important to find a way to offer delivery without disrupting staff or restaurant patrons. Delivery orders will be treated like take-out orders are now and brought out to drivers waiting curbside. And Cardenas said Olive Garden has technology in place to help employees manage order volumes.
Other Chains Have Also Given in to Third-Party Delivery
Darden isn’t the only chain that has given in to third-party delivery. Domino’s Pizza also resisted working with third parties until last year, when it signed a deal with Uber Eats.
Conclusion
The partnership between Olive Garden and Uber Direct marks a significant shift for the company, which has long been resistant to third-party delivery. With the potential to expand nationwide by May 2025, this move could bring a new level of convenience to customers.
FAQs
* Will Olive Garden be listed on the broader Uber Eats platform?
+ No, Olive Garden will not be listed on the broader Uber Eats platform.
* When will the delivery option launch?
+ The delivery option will launch as a pilot program later this year, with the potential to expand nationwide by May 2025.
* How will delivery orders be managed?
+ Delivery orders will be treated like take-out orders are now and brought out to drivers waiting curbside. Olive Garden has technology in place to help employees manage order volumes.
