14.01.2015 Views

OLIVE GARDEN Site Selection Criteria - Darden Restaurants

OLIVE GARDEN Site Selection Criteria - Darden Restaurants

OLIVE GARDEN Site Selection Criteria - Darden Restaurants

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

<strong>OLIVE</strong> <strong>GARDEN</strong><br />

<strong>Site</strong> <strong>Selection</strong> <strong>Criteria</strong><br />

Building <strong>Criteria</strong><br />

Building Square Footage 7,500 – 8,500<br />

Land/Parking needs Land to accommodate our prototype building and 125<br />

– 145 parking spaces (may include legal cross parking<br />

Location<br />

Building Height<br />

Ownership<br />

Prefer to own our real estate but will consider ground leases.<br />

Typical Lease Terms (If purchase not available)<br />

Prime regional focal point<br />

22’ (with architectural features up to 28’ depending on<br />

location)<br />

Base Rent<br />

Negotiable<br />

CAM<br />

Negotiable – Cap and audit rights required<br />

Tax<br />

Pro-rata<br />

Insurance<br />

Pro-rata<br />

% Rent None<br />

Initial Term<br />

10 years<br />

Renewal Options<br />

Four 5-year options<br />

Demographic Requirements<br />

Population<br />

Area of Focus<br />

Trade areas with 100,000 people exclusive to the<br />

restaurant<br />

Prime regional location for the trade area<br />

Comments<br />

- End-cap/building lease will be considered on a case-by-case basis with emphasis<br />

on parking, visibility, access and our ability to use prototypical Olive Garden<br />

exterior branding and signage.<br />

- <strong>Darden</strong> <strong>Restaurants</strong>, the parent company of Olive Garden, has designed several<br />

restaurants nationwide that have earned LEED certification. Going forward all of<br />

our restaurants will have sustainable elements, although all will not be LEED<br />

certified. Some of the sustainable design elements include recycled building<br />

materials, enlarged windows to increase natural light, low-water landscaping and<br />

energy-efficient equipment. These enhancements are part of the Sustainable<br />

Restaurant Design initiative launched by <strong>Darden</strong> <strong>Restaurants</strong>.<br />

Last Updated: Feb 2012


Create a Sampler Italiano<br />

Choose from: calamari, stuffed mushrooms,<br />

fried zucchini, chicken fingers, fried mozzarella<br />

or toasted beef and pork ravioli.<br />

Three Choices 00.00 Two Choices 00.00<br />

Stuffed mushrooms prepared with clams.<br />

Bruschetta<br />

A traditional topping of roma tomatoes, fresh<br />

basil and extra-virgin olive oil. Served with<br />

toasted ciabatta bread. 00.00<br />

Shrimp Scampi Fritta<br />

Hand-breaded and fried shrimp lightly tossed with<br />

garlic and a white wine butter sauce. 00.00<br />

Caprese Flatbread<br />

Mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and basil on<br />

flatbread crust with garlic spread. 00.00<br />

Grilled Chicken Flatbread<br />

Chicken, mozzarella, roasted red peppers and basil<br />

with alfredo and garlic spread. 00.00<br />

Mussels di Napoli<br />

Mussels in the shell, simmered with wine,<br />

garlic-butter and onions. 00.00<br />

Hot Artichoke-Spinach Dip<br />

A blend of artichokes, spinach and cream<br />

cheese. Served with Tuscan bread. 00.00<br />

Chicken & Gnocchi<br />

A creamy soup made with roasted chicken,<br />

traditional Italian dumplings and spinach. 00.00<br />

Pasta e Fagioli<br />

White and red beans, ground beef, tomatoes<br />

and pasta in a savory broth. 00.00<br />

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad<br />

Grilled chicken over romaine in a creamy<br />

Caesar dressing topped with parmesan<br />

cheese and croutons. 00.00<br />

Create Your Own Pizza<br />

Choose up to four toppings. 00.00<br />

Pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, onions,<br />

bell peppers, black olives or roma tomatoes.<br />

DA_$00 _012312<br />

We proudly serve Italian specialties inspired<br />

by our Culinary Institute of Tuscany. SM<br />

Olive Garden chefs train at this cooking<br />

school located at Riserva di Fizzano, an<br />

eleventh century village in the heart<br />

of Italy’s Tuscany region.<br />

Antipasti (Appetizers)<br />

Pizze (Pizzas)<br />

Lasagna Fritta<br />

Parmesan-breaded lasagna pieces, fried and<br />

served over alfredo sauce, topped with<br />

parmesan cheese and marinara sauce. 00.00<br />

Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta<br />

Oven-baked smoked mozzarella, provolone,<br />

parmesan and romano cheese. Served with<br />

Tuscan bread. 00.00<br />

Dipping Sauces for Breadsticks<br />

Freshly prepared marinara, alfredo or<br />

five cheese marinara. 00.00<br />

Sicilian Scampi<br />

Large shrimp sautéed in white wine,<br />

extra-virgin olive oil, garlic and tomatoes.<br />

Served over ciabatta bread. 00.00<br />

Stuffed Mushrooms<br />

Parmesan, romano and mozzarella cheese,<br />

clams and herb breadcrumbs baked in<br />

mushroom caps. 00.00<br />

Calamari<br />

Tender calamari, lightly breaded and fried.<br />

Served with parmesan-peppercorn and<br />

marinara sauces. 00.00<br />

Zuppe e Insalate (Soups & Salads)<br />

Minestrone<br />

Fresh vegetables, beans and pasta in a light<br />

tomato broth – a vegetarian classic. 00.00<br />

Zuppa Toscana<br />

Spicy sausage, russet potatoes and cavolo<br />

greens in a creamy broth. 00.00<br />

Garden-Fresh Salad<br />

Our famous house salad, tossed with our<br />

signature Italian dressing. 00.00<br />

(Unlimited refills!)<br />

Chicken Alfredo Pizza<br />

Pizza topped with grilled chicken, Italian<br />

cheeses, alfredo sauce and scallions. 00.00<br />

Pizzas are also available as an appetizer.<br />

Lasagna Classico<br />

Layers of pasta, meat sauce and mozzarella,<br />

ricotta, parmesan and romano cheese.** 00.00<br />

Five Cheese Ziti al Forno<br />

Ziti pasta in a five cheese marinara sauce, baked<br />

with a layer of melted Italian cheeses. 00.00<br />

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce<br />

Traditional meat sauce seasoned with garlic<br />

and herbs over spaghetti.** 00.00<br />

Linguine alla Marinara<br />

Pasta with a zesty blend of ripe tomatoes,<br />

onions and herbs. 00.00<br />

Chicken Parmigiana<br />

Parmesan-breaded chicken breasts, fried and<br />

topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella<br />

cheese. Served with spaghetti. 00.00<br />

Mixed Grill*<br />

Skewers of grilled marinated steak and chicken<br />

with a rosemary demi-glace, served with grilled<br />

vegetables and Tuscan potatoes. 00.00<br />

Steak prepared medium unless otherwise requested.<br />

Braised Beef & Tortelloni<br />

Tender sliced short ribs and portobello<br />

mushrooms tossed with asiago-filled<br />

tortelloni in a basil-marsala sauce. 00.00<br />

Ravioli di Portobello<br />

Portobello mushroom-filled ravioli in<br />

a creamy smoked cheese and sun-dried<br />

tomato sauce. 00.00<br />

Cucina Classica (Classic Recipes)<br />

Chianti Braised Short Ribs<br />

Tender boneless beef short ribs slow cooked<br />

in a chianti wine sauce. Served with portobello<br />

mushroom risotto and steamed vegetables. 00.00<br />

Steak Toscano*<br />

Grilled 12 oz choice center cut Strip steak brushed<br />

with Italian herbs and extra-virgin olive oil. Served<br />

with Tuscan potatoes and bell peppers. 00.00<br />

Carne (Beef & Pork)<br />

Pasta Ripiena (Filled Pastas)<br />

Fettuccine Alfredo<br />

Parmesan cream sauce with a hint of garlic,<br />

served over fettuccine. 00.00<br />

Eggplant Parmigiana<br />

Lightly breaded eggplant, fried and topped<br />

with marinara sauce, mozzarella and parmesan<br />

cheese. Served with spaghetti. 00.00<br />

Capellini Pomodoro<br />

Roma tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, extra-virgin<br />

olive oil and marinara sauce tossed with<br />

capellini. 00.00<br />

Spaghetti & Meatballs<br />

Traditional meat sauce over spaghetti with<br />

meatballs (or Italian sausage).** 00.00<br />

Tour of Italy<br />

Homemade lasagna, lightly breaded<br />

chicken parmigiana and creamy<br />

fettuccine alfredo.** 00.00<br />

Steak Gorgonzola-Alfredo*<br />

Grilled beef medallions drizzled with balsamic<br />

glaze, served over fettuccine tossed with<br />

spinach and gorgonzola-alfredo sauce. 00.00<br />

Steak prepared medium unless otherwise requested.<br />

Parmesan Crusted Bistecca*<br />

Grilled 8 oz center cut sirloin topped with<br />

parmesan-herb breading, baked golden brown.<br />

Served with garlic parmesan mashed potatoes and<br />

asparagus drizzled with balsamic glaze. 00.00<br />

Grilled Sausage & Peppers Rustica<br />

Italian sausage, bell peppers and fresh mozzarella<br />

with penne in a zesty marinara sauce. 00.00<br />

Cheese Ravioli<br />

Cheese-filled ravioli topped with marinara or<br />

meat sauce and melted Italian cheeses.** 00.00<br />

Lasagna Rollata al Forno<br />

Lasagna rolls stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella,<br />

asiago, parmesan and romano cheese. Topped<br />

with mozzarella and seasoned breadcrumbs,<br />

baked in five cheese marinara. 00.00<br />

Enjoy our freshly baked garlic breadsticks and your choice of<br />

homemade soup or garden-fresh salad with any entrée or pizza.<br />

Venetian Apricot Chicken<br />

Grilled chicken breasts in an apricot citrus<br />

sauce. Served with broccoli, asparagus<br />

and diced tomatoes. 00.00<br />

Chicken Scampi<br />

Chicken breast tenderloins sautéed with<br />

bell peppers, roasted garlic and onions in<br />

a garlic cream sauce over angel hair. 00.00<br />

Chicken Alfredo<br />

Grilled chicken tossed with fettuccine and<br />

fresh alfredo sauce. 00.00<br />

Stuffed Chicken Marsala<br />

Oven-roasted chicken breast stuffed with Italian<br />

cheeses and sun-dried tomatoes, topped with<br />

mushrooms and a creamy marsala sauce. Served<br />

with garlic parmesan mashed potatoes. 00.00<br />

Shrimp Mezzaluna<br />

Crescent-shaped ravioli filled with four Italian<br />

cheeses, tossed with sautéed shrimp and<br />

tomatoes in a white wine cream sauce. 00.00<br />

Shrimp Primavera<br />

Shrimp, bell peppers, onions and mushrooms<br />

in a bold arrabbiata sauce over penne. 00.00<br />

Seafood Alfredo<br />

Sautéed shrimp and scallops tossed with<br />

creamy fettuccine alfredo. 00.00<br />

Capellini di Mare<br />

Shrimp, clams and mussels sautéed in white<br />

wine, garlic and a zesty marinara sauce.<br />

Served over capellini and topped with<br />

fresh basil. 00.00<br />

Grilled Shrimp Caprese<br />

Grilled marinated shrimp served over angel<br />

hair pasta with melted mozzarella, fresh basil<br />

and tomatoes in a garlic-butter sauce. 00.00<br />

Pollo (Chicken)<br />

Pesce (Fish & Seafood)<br />

Chicken Marsala<br />

Sautéed chicken breasts in a savory sauce of<br />

mushrooms, garlic and marsala wine. Served<br />

with Tuscan potatoes and bell peppers. 00.00<br />

Chicken & Shrimp Carbonara<br />

Chicken and shrimp with bucatini pasta in a<br />

parmesan cream sauce with pancetta bacon<br />

and roasted red peppers, baked and topped<br />

with seasoned breadcrumbs. 00.00<br />

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken<br />

Herb-marinated grilled chicken breasts served<br />

over capellini in a light, zesty lemon-herb<br />

vinaigrette tossed with cherry tomatoes,<br />

feta cheese, spinach and olives. 00.00<br />

Chicken Vino Bianco<br />

Pan-seared chicken breasts with mushrooms,<br />

tomatoes, onions and garlic in a white wine<br />

sauce over linguine. 00.00<br />

Seafood Portofino<br />

Mussels, scallops, shrimp and mushrooms with<br />

linguine in a garlic-butter wine sauce. 00.00<br />

Shrimp & Crab Tortelli Romana<br />

Shrimp, crab and smoked mozzarella-filled ravioli,<br />

topped with sautéed shrimp in a three cheese and<br />

sun-dried tomato sauce. 00.00<br />

Herb-Grilled Salmon<br />

Salmon filet brushed with Italian herbs and<br />

extra-virgin olive oil. Served with seasoned<br />

broccoli. 00.00<br />

Seafood Brodetto<br />

Scallops, shrimp and delicate tilapia with spinach<br />

and mushrooms simmered in a light white wine<br />

and marinara-saffron broth. Served with toasted<br />

ciabatta bread. 00.00<br />

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia<br />

Oven-baked delicate white fish crusted<br />

with parmesan cheese. Served with Italian<br />

vegetables over angel hair tossed in a light<br />

garlic-butter sauce. 00.00<br />

This olive branch highlights our delicious low fat entrées.<br />

For items lowest in calories, fat and sodium, or our Gluten Free selections,<br />

please ask your server for our Garden Fare® Nutrition Guide.<br />

If you have a food allergy, please request our Allergen Information Guide.<br />

*These menu items are cooked to order. Consuming raw or<br />

undercooked meats may increase your risk of foodborne illness.<br />

**Our meat sauce is made with pan-seared beef and Italian sausage.<br />

When sharing an entrée and salad, there will be an additional charge for salad refills.<br />

An optional 18% gratuity will be added to parties of 8 or more.


Vini (Wines)<br />

Our wines are listed from milder to bolder to assist you<br />

in selecting a wine that best complements your meal. Saluté!<br />

Principato (Our Signature House Wines)<br />

From family vineyards in Trentino, Italy to your table.<br />

Bianco (White) 00.00 00.00 00.00<br />

Rosato (Blush) 00.00 00.00 00.00<br />

Rosso (Red) 00.00 00.00 00.00<br />

Asti Martini & Rossi, Italy 00.00 00.00<br />

Prosecco Zonin, Italy 00.00<br />

Slightly Sweet<br />

Moscato Primo Amore, Italy 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Moscato Castello del Poggio, Italy 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

White Zinfandel Sutter Home 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Riesling Chateau Ste. Michelle 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Light & Fruity<br />

Pinot Grigio Cavit, Italy 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Pinot Grigio Sartori, Italy 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Pinot Grigio Kris, Italy 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Pinot Grigio-Sauvignon Blanc Bertani Due Uve, Italy 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Sauvignon Blanc Bonterra Organic 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Full & Smooth<br />

Fiano Mandra Rossa, Italy 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Chardonnay Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Chardonnay Chateau Ste. Michelle 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Chardonnay Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Smooth & Fruity<br />

6 oz<br />

glass<br />

9 oz<br />

quartino<br />

Spumante (Sparkling)<br />

Bianco e Rosato (White & Blush)<br />

Rosso (Red)<br />

magnum<br />

(serves 8 glasses)<br />

Roscato Rosso Dolce, Italy 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Lambrusco Riunite, Italy 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Pinot Noir Cavit, Italy 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Pinot Noir Estancia 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Sangiovese Rocca delle Macie Rubizzo, Italy 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Nero d’Avola Arancio, Italy 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Soft Berry Flavors<br />

Chianti Straccali, Italy 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Chianti Classico Gabbiano, Italy 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Chianti Classico Riserva Rocca delle Macie, Italy 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Merlot Ecco Domani, Italy 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Merlot Clos du Bois 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Winemaker’s Blend Seven Daughters 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Valpolicella Secco-Bertani, Italy 000.00<br />

Robust & Rich<br />

Cabernet Robert Mondavi Private <strong>Selection</strong> 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Cabernet Beringer Founders’ Estate 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Zinfandel Ravenswood 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Sangiovese-Syrah Rocca delle Macie SaSyr, Italy 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Super Tuscan Villa Antinori, Italy 00.00 00.00 000.00<br />

Brunello di Montalcino Col d’Orcia, Italy 000.00<br />

Amarone Bertani, Italy 000.00<br />

6 oz<br />

glass<br />

6 oz<br />

glass<br />

6 oz<br />

glass/split<br />

9 oz<br />

quartino<br />

9 oz<br />

quartino<br />

bottle<br />

bottle<br />

bottle<br />

Bevande Speciali (Specialty Cocktails)<br />

Italian Margarita<br />

Sauza Gold Tequila, Triple Sec and<br />

DiSaronno Amaretto. 00.00<br />

Roscato Berry Splash<br />

Fruity red Roscato wine mixed with strawberry,<br />

lime and a hint of mint. 00.00<br />

Moscato Aperol Spritz<br />

Sparkling Moscato wine and Aperol Italian<br />

liqueur, mixed with flavors of orange peel<br />

essence and ginger ale. 00.00<br />

Sangrias – Berry or Peach<br />

A blend of chilled wine, fresh fruit and a splash<br />

of fruit juices. 00.00 glass 00.00 pitcher<br />

Venetian Sunset<br />

Martini & Rossi Asti with pineapple and<br />

cherry juices. 00.00<br />

Bellinis – Peach, Strawberry<br />

or Wild Berry<br />

A frozen blend of Martini & Rossi Asti and<br />

fresh fruit. 00.00<br />

Daiquiris<br />

Bacardi Rum and fresh fruit. Choose from<br />

strawberry, peach, mango or wild berry. 00.00<br />

Imports & Specialties<br />

Corona, Heineken, Peroni, Samuel Adams Lager,<br />

Stella Artois, Samuel Adams Seasonal, Guinness,<br />

Newcastle Brown Ale<br />

Draft<br />

Blue Moon, Bud Light (Available in 14 or 20 oz)<br />

Please ask your server for additional offerings.<br />

Skinny Pomegranate Limetta<br />

A refreshing blend of lime, lemon and pomegranate<br />

mixed with sparkling water and fresh sliced fruit.<br />

Skinny White Peach Cooler<br />

A refreshing blend of white peach and mint, mixed<br />

with iced tea and a splash of lemonade.<br />

Strawberry-Mango Limonata<br />

Refreshing strawberry and mango purée, mixed<br />

with sweet lemonade and sliced strawberries.<br />

Bella Limonata<br />

Refreshing mix of sweet lemonade, pomegranate<br />

and pineapple juices with fresh sliced fruit.<br />

Italian Sodas<br />

Raspberry, vanilla, orange, cherry, caramel or<br />

lemon syrup mixed with soda water.<br />

Frullato Smoothies<br />

A frozen blend of fruit purée and creamy non-fat<br />

yogurt. Choose from strawberry, wild berry or<br />

peach-mango.<br />

Signature Cocktails<br />

Frozen Cocktails<br />

Birra (Beer)<br />

Strawberry Fresco<br />

Smirnoff Citrus Vodka, fresh strawberries<br />

and lemonade. 00.00<br />

Pomegranate Margarita Martini<br />

Patrón Silver Tequila, Citrónge Orange Liqueur,<br />

pomegranate syrup and fresh citrus juices. 00.00<br />

Strawberry-Limoncello Martini<br />

Smirnoff Citrus Vodka, Caravella Limoncello<br />

and strawberries. 00.00<br />

Mango Martini<br />

Malibu mango rum, mango purée and<br />

citrus juices. 00.00<br />

Chocolate Martini<br />

Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, Smirnoff Vanilla<br />

Twist Vodka and cream. 00.00<br />

Frozen Margaritas – Strawberry,<br />

Strawberry-Mango or Wild Berry<br />

A frozen margarita made with Sauza Gold<br />

Tequila and fresh fruit. 00.00<br />

Premium<br />

Bud Light, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Budweiser,<br />

Michelob Ultra, O’Doul’s (Non-Alcoholic)<br />

Bevande (Non-Alcoholic Beverages)<br />

Specialty Coffees & Hot Teas<br />

Caffè la Toscana Coffee, Lavazza Espresso,<br />

Caramel Hazelnut Macchiato, Caffè Mocha,<br />

Cappuccino, Frozen Cappuccino, Caffè Latte,<br />

Herbal & Flavored Hot Teas<br />

Iced Teas & Raspberry Lemonade<br />

Bellini Peach-Raspberry Iced Tea,<br />

Fresh Brewed Iced Tea, Raspberry Lemonade<br />

Italian Bottled Water<br />

Acqua Panna, San Pellegrino<br />

Fruit Juices<br />

Apple, Cranberry, Orange, Pineapple<br />

Fountain Drinks<br />

Coca-Cola®, Diet Coke®, Sprite®, Dr Pepper®<br />

Complimentary refills of fountain drinks, raspberry<br />

lemonade, fruit juices, teas and Caffè la Toscana coffee.<br />

© 2012 <strong>Darden</strong> Concepts, Inc. Printed in the USA. Tour of Italy, Create a Sampler Italiano and Caffè la Toscana Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off.<br />

DA_$00 _012312


<strong>OLIVE</strong> <strong>GARDEN</strong> CORPORATE FACT SHEET<br />

Olive Garden is committed to its purpose of Hospitaliano! – providing 100 percent guest delight through<br />

a genuine Italian dining experience. This passion is continuing to advance Olive Garden’s leadership<br />

position in the highly competitive, full‐service Italian segment of the casual dining industry.<br />

Background<br />

Founded in 1982, Olive Garden is owned by <strong>Darden</strong> <strong>Restaurants</strong>, Inc. (NYSE:DRI), the world’s largest<br />

company‐owned and operated full‐service restaurant company. With more than 770 restaurants, more<br />

than 88,000 employees and more than $3 billion in annual sales, Olive Garden is the leading restaurant<br />

in the Italian casual dining segment.<br />

Guest Experience<br />

At Olive Garden, “When you’re here, you’re family,” is more than a tagline. Embracing the hospitality<br />

Italy is known for, Olive Garden team members have a passion for genuinely connecting with guests at<br />

the restaurants. We delight more than 3.3 million guests every week with fresh, simple and delicious<br />

food, award‐winning wine and beverage lists and friendly service in a comfortable, home‐like setting.<br />

Employee Culture<br />

Olive Garden attributes much of its success to its continued training and development of restaurant<br />

team members with programs that reward and recognize high performance, such as weeklong cultural<br />

immersion trips to Italy and wine education training for select team members.<br />

Awards<br />

Olive Garden’s award‐winning food, beverage and training teams have garnered national recognition for<br />

their innovation, program execution and industry leadership from top trade publications and food<br />

service organizations.<br />

Last Updated Mar 2012


CULINARY INSTITUTE OF TUSCANY FACT SHEET<br />

Olive Garden takes pride in its connections to Italy, its culture and its people. In the spirit of Italian<br />

generosity and in order to bring guests the most authentic Italian culinary experience, employees<br />

immerse themselves in the best that Italian heritage and culture has to offer at Olive Garden’s Culinary<br />

Institute of Tuscany in Italy.<br />

An Overview: Culinary Institute of Tuscany<br />

For more than a decade, Olive Garden has been sending employees to its Culinary Institute of Tuscany,<br />

which is located in the heart of an 11 th century village on the 450‐acre Riserva di Fizzano property. The<br />

property is also home to the Rocca delle Macie Winery and owned by Olive Garden’s Italian partners,<br />

the Zingarelli family. At the Culinary Institute of Tuscany, Olive Garden chefs and restaurant managers<br />

learn the secrets of great Italian cooking – like how to combine fresh ingredients, layer flavors and pair<br />

food with Italian wines to create authentic, delicious meals they can share with family and friends.<br />

Extending the Olive Garden Family<br />

In 1999, Olive Garden partnered with the Zingarelli family, proprietors of Riserva di Fizzano in Tuscany,<br />

to establish the Olive Garden culinary school. Located on the grounds of the Rocca delle Macie Winery,<br />

the Culinary Institute of Tuscany welcomes Olive Garden team members from November through March<br />

and serves as a Bed and Breakfast to travelers the rest of the year.<br />

Culinary Institute of Tuscany Graduates<br />

More than 1,200 Olive Garden chefs and managers throughout the U.S. have traveled to Italy to learn<br />

the essentials of Italian cuisine and become immersed in the culture. Participants begin their experience<br />

in Sienna, travel to Florence and then complete the trip in Rome. During the trip they partake in<br />

activities such as visits to local markets and meet‐and‐greets with Italian chefs. Upon their return,<br />

graduates not only have an enhanced appreciation for Italian fare and culture, they also have a deeper<br />

understanding for the meaning of Hospitaliano, Olive Garden’s passion for 100% guest delight.<br />

Page #3 Last Updated March 2011


CULINARY INSTITUTE OF TUSCANY FACT SHEET<br />

At Olive Garden, Italy, and more specifically Tuscany, is the inspiration for everything we do. We’re<br />

especially inspired by the cultural traditions and the warmth and generosity of the Italian people. Olive<br />

Garden sends more than 100 Olive Garden team members to our Culinary Institute of Tuscany annually<br />

to celebrate and experience what Olive Garden holds dear – delighting every guest with a genuine<br />

Italian dining experience. This program is one way we inspire and foster passion, pride and commitment<br />

with our team members.<br />

An Overview: Culinary Institute of Tuscany<br />

In 1999, Olive Garden partnered with the Zingarelli family, proprietors of the Riserva di Fizzano property,<br />

to establish the Culinary Institute of Tuscany. Located on the grounds of the Rocca delle Macie Winery,<br />

the Culinary Institute of Tuscany welcomes Olive Garden team members from November through March<br />

every year.<br />

More than 1200 Olive Garden chefs and managers throughout North America have traveled to Italy to<br />

get immersed in Italian culture and learn about the cuisine. During the trips, Olive Garden chefs and<br />

restaurant managers learn fundamentals of Italian cooking, like how to combine fresh ingredients to<br />

create delicious meals they can share and enjoy with family and friends. Participants begin their<br />

experience in Siena, travel to Florence and then complete the trip in Rome, and they get to experience<br />

the culture, sites and food at every destination. For more than a decade, the program has been<br />

facilitated by Olive Garden Executive Chef Paolo Lafata – a native Italian and recognized Master Chef by<br />

the Italian Culinary Professionals Association (Associazione Professionale Cuochi Italiani). When the trips<br />

are over, participants return home with a better appreciation for, and understanding of, Italian culture<br />

and cuisine and share this with other team members and our guests.<br />

For more information:<br />

Visit http://www.olivegarden.com/culinary/cit/ or http://www.facebook.com/OliveGarden.<br />

# # #<br />

Last Updated: Feb 2012

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!