Why do people go to Olive Garden ?

Question

In central NJ there are tons of great , reasonably priced mom and pop Italian restaurants where you can usually just walk in and get a table. Yet, people wait upwards of an hour to eat at Olive Garden. I've been to Olive Garden, the food is not horrible, just not worth waiting for when you have so many better options.

Answer 1

the breadsticks are addicting.

Answer 2

i think olive garden is one of the best restaurants in my area.(Ventura County)

Answer 3

me an you agree, give me a reason to go..

Don't wait for me , hello Mickey D's

Answer 4

True....I've wondered about Chili's also......so-so, far from great.

Answer 5

I don't like the Olive Garden...I am vegan and they don't have a single vegan item on their menu...that's unless you are a fan of lettuce

Answer 6

I agree, think this place is overhyped. Last time I went there was food on the floor... grossed me out. I think people like it cos they give u a lot and Americans are overweight. But it's like cafeteria-food, nothing exciting...

Answer 7

I think their salad and breadsticks are really good.

Answer 8

Inexpensive, and people don't know what they are missing everywhere else. They dont have to get dressed up either.

Answer 9

the endless bread sticks and salad!

the magnificent Italian meals!

its heaven in your mouth.

sure its expensive but delish!

i go there alot, its amazing

Answer 10

Olive Garden is classic Italian in my opinion. And I think the ambiance is nice.

Answer 11

idk.. probably cause there is good food, but its rly expensive!

Answer 12

Maybe it's the place they know, and they don't know if those mom & pop places are any good.

Answer 13

hello have you tried the salad and bread sticks. just don't go to late on weekends or go on weekdays.

Answer 14

Probably because the soup, salad and the breadsticks are great!

Answer 15

Because its a great atmosphere with great food. And it really doesn't always have to be too expensive, it depends on what you order and what kind of food you want. I can go & eat the salad and breadsticks and I am satisfied & that is only like $5.95 or so per person. You get soup with it too but I am picky about my soup. & that is unending, you can have as much as you want!!!!

It has a beautiful atmosphere of being in Italy.

Answer 16

Olive Garden is not that great but the restaurant is well known, has a good reputation, and the food is cheap. People eat what they know is going to be good.

Answer 17

I don't like it and is over advertised and there food DOES NOT make me full..Makes me feel like I'm on a diet..whoa..i can make pasta and salad at home..and there chicken is gross.I prefer something like.Homemade and from scatch.

Answer 18

GW! That is a great question there food is not all that. And they don't have a great menu, i mean its mostly the same thing... MY mom loves that place and every time she says shes out eating, i can always find her at Olive Garden.. I don't know why but she LOVES  it... I on the other hand had much better.. I guess everyone has a favorite restaurant that might not be as appealing to others!

Answer 19

In New jersey- I would agree- you have MEGA italian places that are amazing.

here in Florida- Olive Garden is among the best.

Be glad you live the hometown of Tony Soprano!  

ENJOY !!!

Answer 20

Interesting... we have the same phenomena in Sacramento since there just isn't plain good Italian. However, I was born and raised in Syracuse. People there prefer not to get sauce from a bag and go to the local Italian eateries. Olive Garden is never crowded.

Olive Garden is just plain awful. Even though it is the only choice where I live, I prefer to cook real Italian food at home. It pays to be Italian and with my secret family recipes, I can make stuff way better.

Answer 21

because its a household name you can bank on having a decent meal its a safe choice. those mom and pop res are usually hit or miss.. they could be horrible and people wont chance that..

Answer 22

Personally Olive Garden is my favorite resturaunt...I think that besides the great food and service, people want to dine in a place that is popular. Its kind of like when someone wants to eat a certain cereal because it is name brand rather than a generic cereal that taste the same and costs less.

Answer 23

ehmagawd olive garden is good