Olive Garden offers more than unlimited breadsticks. A recent survey highlights it as a top choice for baby boomers among casual dining restaurants. YouGov’s U.S. restaurant brand rankings surveyed 7,500 adults aged 65 and older. Of these, 33.8% chose Olive Garden over popular chains like Texas Roadhouse, Applebee’s, Cracker Barrel, and Outback Steakhouse.
The survey indicated Olive Garden as the preferred choice for food and drinks among adults 65+. It remains popular due to quality service and a comfortable dining experience. Since its inception in 1982, the Florida-based chain has consistently ranked high in customer satisfaction, particularly in service (12.8%) and dining experience (12.1%).
Chad Moutray, an economist at the National Restaurant Association, states that in a selective dining market, the quality of service and experience greatly influence consumer choice. Olive Garden’s appeal isn’t limited to older diners. Morning Consult’s report finds it a popular option for family outings, avoiding cooking, and satisfying cravings. The chain also exhibits the strongest emotional connection among brands.
Olive Garden leads in categories like family outings (40%), avoiding cooking (37%), and portion sizes (32%) according to the report. While Gen Z favors Chili’s, placing it slightly above Olive Garden with 29.6% over 28.7%, Olive Garden dominates among Gen X and millennials. For ages 30–44 and 45–64, it remains the most considered casual dining brand.
Other dining favorites among baby boomers include Texas Roadhouse (28.2%), Applebee’s (24.7%), Cracker Barrel (24%), and Outback Steakhouse (22.1%).
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