Darden Restaurants has reached an exclusive multi-year alliance with Uber Technologies to offer on-demand delivery for its Olive Garden brand.
The service, leveraging Uber Direct's national delivery network, is set to launch towards the end of 2024, initially from select locations.
Darden president and CEO Rick Cardenas said: “Guests have been asking us for home delivery options and they continue to show they are willing to pay for the convenience.
“As we continued to evaluate delivery, it was important for us to find a way to address this guest need state without disrupting the team member or guest experience and without compromising our competitive advantages and simple operating model.
“Uber is a partner we believe shares that vision and can meet our expectations. Their investment in a custom-integration, commitment to Olive Garden's first-party delivery growth, and efficiency and speed at a national scale, made this exclusive partnership a clear choice.”
On-demand delivery will be available through Darden's restaurant channels, with Uber Direct handling the logistics.
The pilot phase will involve a small number of Olive Garden locations, with plans to expand nationally by May 2025 if it proves successful.
Once fully implemented, 900 company-owned Olive Garden locations across the US will offer the service.
Customers will be able to place delivery orders through Olive Garden's website and mobile app.
Uber Direct's technology and logistics network will ensure that the Olive Garden meals are delivered.
Uber Eats Delivery vice-president and Americas head Sarfraz Maredia stated: “We're excited to announce this partnership and look forward to bringing guests the excellent, convenient and reliable experience that is foundational to both of our brands.
“On-demand delivery is increasingly a core expectation for consumers. People also expect a great experience, especially when it's from a brand they love like Olive Garden, and that doesn't change whether it's at the restaurant or at home.
“We're confident our teams can deliver on that promise together and continue to grow first-party delivery as a channel.”
In July 2024, Darden Restaurants reached an agreement to acquire Chuy’s Holdings for $605m.
