Olive Garden has announced that it will continue to raise prices following a drop in sales last quarter.
The CEO stated that the company is still avoiding offering discounts to attract customers, despite a decrease in sales and loss of customers. During the company’s earnings call held on Thursday, executives attributed the sales slump to the financial stress of inflation, which is affecting some customers more than others.
“The pullback is mostly at the below-median household income … our other [customer] groups are stable or growing,” said Raj Vennam, chief financial officer of Olive Garden parent company Darden Restaurants.
Darden Restaurants, which also owns and operates restaurants like Longhorn Steakhouse and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, reported they will be increasing prices company-wide by an average of 2% to 3% over the next year.
Olive Garden had already seen a 1% increase in menu prices last year. Vennam pointed out Olive Garden menu price hikes have been lower than inflation in recent years.
With this plan, Darden estimates they will see a 1% to 2% growth in sales in 2025, the company said in the recent earnings call.
Prices at restaurants – from locally owned spots to major chains and fast food franchises – have jumped substantially in recent years to keep up with the increasing cost of doing business.
As rising prices turn some customers away, many chains have begun offering discount deals in an attempt to attract people back. McDonald’s recently announced a new $5 meal deal attempting to address concerns over the rising prices.
Wendy’s and Starbucks also joined in offering value meals. Wendy’s offers a $3 breakfast and Starbucks offers a $6 breakfast sandwich and coffee combo.