OLIVE GARDEN Site Selection Criteria - Darden Restaurants

CULINARY INSTITUTE OF TUSCANY FACT SHEETOlive Garden takes pride in its connections to Italy, its culture and its people. In the spirit of Italiangenerosity and in order to bring guests the most authentic Italian culinary experience, employeesimmerse themselves in the best that Italian heritage and culture has to offer at Olive Garden’s CulinaryInstitute of Tuscany in Italy.An Overview: Culinary Institute of TuscanyFor more than a decade, Olive Garden has been sending employees to its Culinary Institute of Tuscany,which is located in the heart of an 11 th century village on the 450‐acre Riserva di Fizzano property. Theproperty is also home to the Rocca delle Macie Winery and owned by Olive Garden’s Italian partners,the Zingarelli family. At the Culinary Institute of Tuscany, Olive Garden chefs and restaurant managerslearn the secrets of great Italian cooking – like how to combine fresh ingredients, layer flavors and pairfood with Italian wines to create authentic, delicious meals they can share with family and friends.Extending the Olive Garden FamilyIn 1999, Olive Garden partnered with the Zingarelli family, proprietors of Riserva di Fizzano in Tuscany,to establish the Olive Garden culinary school. Located on the grounds of the Rocca delle Macie Winery,the Culinary Institute of Tuscany welcomes Olive Garden team members from November through Marchand serves as a Bed and Breakfast to travelers the rest of the year.Culinary Institute of Tuscany GraduatesMore than 1,200 Olive Garden chefs and managers throughout the U.S. have traveled to Italy to learnthe essentials of Italian cuisine and become immersed in the culture. Participants begin their experiencein Sienna, travel to Florence and then complete the trip in Rome. During the trip they partake inactivities such as visits to local markets and meet‐and‐greets with Italian chefs. Upon their return,graduates not only have an enhanced appreciation for Italian fare and culture, they also have a deeperunderstanding for the meaning of Hospitaliano, Olive Garden’s passion for 100% guest delight.Page #3 Last Updated March 2011