Olive Garden Halts All Operations — 900 Restaurants Shut Down

With the holidays right around the corner, Olive Garden is changing things up for diners across the nation. The chain has decided to close all 900 of its restaurants for 24 hours on both Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. This move shows how much they value family time and employee well-being over sticking to regular business hours.

Taking a Day Off for Family

All 900 Olive Garden locations in the U.S. will be closed on Thanksgiving (which falls on November 27 this year) and Christmas Day. This gives team members a chance to kick back and enjoy some quality time with their loved ones. If you had plans to grab a bite at Olive Garden on these holidays, you’ll need to make other arrangements. The good news? Regular service will be back up and running the day after Thanksgiving, so you can still enjoy your favorite dishes during the rest of the season.

Keep in mind that while U.S. locations will follow this schedule, Olive Garden’s spots overseas might operate differently during the holidays. Places in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and other international markets could have their own hours, so be sure to call ahead if you’re planning a visit around the holiday time.

Following the Trend

Olive Garden isn’t the only business opting to step away from the dinner rush on major holidays. More and more companies are choosing to close up shop on days like Thanksgiving and Christmas to give their staff a break. By doing so, Olive Garden is joining a growing number of businesses that are rethinking traditional holiday schedules and leaning into the idea of letting employees enjoy time with family and friends.

The restaurant chain also notes that based on business the day before these holidays, some locations might close a bit early. Their website mentions, “Depending on the amount of business on the day before these holidays, the restaurants may close early.” So if you’re planning a meal around that time, it’s a good idea to check with your local restaurant for the latest holiday hours.

Getting Ready for the Holiday Shift

If you’re used to dining out on Thanksgiving or Christmas, Olive Garden’s new schedule might mean a change in plans. While the timing might not work for everyone at first, it could be a fun opportunity to try a new restaurant or even cook up a homemade feast. This change also reflects a broader shift in how we view the settings of the holidays—it’s a reminder to take time for ourselves and our loved ones during a season all about coming together.

As the festive season approaches, businesses like Olive Garden are showing a fresh way of celebrating—one where the focus is on family, friends, and a little R&R for the hardworking staff. This shift might even get you thinking about how you want to spend your own holiday time, and maybe even encouraging you to support companies that look out for their employees.

Enjoy the holidays and the extra chance to relax and connect with the people who matter most!