In today’s economic climate, even the simple pleasure of dining out is becoming a luxury for hardworking Americans. Olive Garden, a beloved fixture in casual family dining, is feeling the pinch of rising costs, making it increasingly out of reach for those with modest incomes.

from Darden, the parent company of Olive Garden, there’s a noticeable shift in consumer behavior. Middle- and lower-income patrons are finding it difficult to justify the expense of a meal at Olive Garden. Rick Cardenas, CEO of Darden, acknowledged this trend, stating, “We’re clearly seeing consumer behavior shifts. The lower-income consumer does appear to be pulling back.”

The repercussions of inflation are hitting home for many Olive Garden regulars, especially those earning less than $75,000 annually. Even households with incomes around $50,000 are scaling back visits to Olive Garden’s upscale dining establishments such as Longhorn Steakhouse and Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

While there’s a glimmer of hope in increased transactions from higher-income diners, who boast incomes exceeding $150,000, it underscores a growing divide in the dining landscape.

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