Business Profile

Restaurants

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

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Complaints

Name: Darden Restaurants, Inc.
Address: 1000 Darden Center Dr, Orlando, FL, 32837-4032, USA
Telephone: (407) 245-4000

This profile includes complaints for Darden Restaurants, Inc.'s headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

Customer Complaints Summary

207 total complaints in the last 3 years.
80 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

If you've experienced an issue

Submit a Complaint

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

Initial Complaint
Date:12/31/2023
Type:Service or Repair Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
So I came into this location at approximately 18:10 and I sat in the bar area. When I first arrived they had to come and clean the table then I had to wait for someone to come and serve my guest and I. I had to take a phone call when the server arrived so my guest just order so when I got off the phone. I waited for her to come back to the table after she had already walked by the table 4 times and each time I tried getting her attention, ***** minutes pass and she decides to come and see what we needed. After placing the order the appetizers/ starters arrive. First thing first the chicken had not been cleaned thoroughly, there was still hair on the chicken I mean all over the chicken was very awful to even try to eat then the mushroom wasn't even room temp. Also the manager was very nonchalant and uncourteous to say the least and coming from someone who has served this country for 20 years makes me regret ever defending people like this. I informed the manager that I had been waiting over an hour and a half on my food and also that I asked for to go boxes over ***** minutes ago and this server whom name is ****************, failed to come and gives me the to go boxes as I request, still went about her duties and took other customers orders as if my request didn't matter and the manager stated to me that " My server stated to me that you wasn't ready when she wanted to place the order in the beginning and I'm like dude are you serious and apparently this is something **************** big funky a** has been doing a long time and they are constantly allowing her to do as she please and treat "certain patron" like she the daughter of a plantation master. Those days are over ****************, treat people how you want to be treated and also please make sure everything is in order when the inspection time rolls around because you never know who you are serving and whether it can hinder this business or an individual. It doesn't make any sense to be this **** racist against another race.
Business Response
Date: 01/03/2024
Tell us why here...Our Guest Relations will follow up with the guest within the next 24hrs.
Customer Answer
Date: 01/03/2024

Complaint: 21075051

I am rejecting this response because:
There wasnt any effort to effectively communicate or resolve the issue. I dont need an automated response I need to talk to someone because this is something that could hinder your business due to how consumers are being treated

Sincerely,

***********************
Business Response
Date: 01/08/2024
According to our records our Guest Relations leadership spoke to the guest on January 3rd and resolved.
Initial Complaint
Date:12/29/2023
Type:Service or Repair Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
In my 44 years, I had the worst treatment and experience at the Olive Garden in **********. My family and I were the first ones at the door on 12/28/23 at 10:55am until the doors opened. It took them several minutes for them to figure out where they were going to sit us then the finally put us by a table by a cold window right up to another booth they were sitting another group. We asked if we could be moved to a booth as we were the first ones there, and the whole restaurant/booths were opened as we were the first ones. The waitress said no youll have to here. Then left and came back and said again no youll have to sit at the table. So then a family member of mine asked to speak with the manager so he goes up to the main computer up front to see what booths were opened which was ridiculous because we were the first in the door. So about 5 staff members stood at the counter looking at the computer for about 10 to 15 min trying to figure out where to put us like it was rocket science. I feel this was a discrimination as EVERYONE got seated at a booth and they refused for my family and I to have a booth as well after we requested it. The hostess that originally sat us at the table would not look me in the eye when I asked her for the reasoning and she stated in a VERY COCKY manner thats just how it is!!!. I told the manager she had said this and he did nothing. There was no apologies from anyone. Everyone kept walking around pretending like they were trying to find a booth and that it was so hard and just walking around like it was rocket science to find a booth for the first family in the door. That is definitely called discrimination. In all during this 30 minute ordeal, they probably sat 10 to 15 families all at booths during this time since we arrived through the doors first before anyone else. I could not believe the lack of customer service, motivation to make it right, empathy and was such flippant attitude while we simply asked for a booth.
Business Response
Date: 01/16/2024
We appreciate the opportunity to address the feedback. Our restaurant managers attempted to reach the guest on Jan 7th. A complimentary gift card was sent to them.
Initial Complaint
Date:12/22/2023
Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
Status:
ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
On December 18 I had a very bad experience at Olive Garden, and I sent my note to corporate and nobody followed up with me yet they followed up with the person who was with me that also had a complaint for the treatment that we had and terrible experience from waitress ******* G around 5 PM on check *****. I described the horrible way. She treated our table very well, and I dont appreciate Olive Garden following up with one of the members that it happened to and not following up with me as I have made two complaints to corporate and had no response. we ordered endless soup, salad, and breadsticks, and she refused to put more than two slices of tomatoes or two olives in the entire bowl, telling us that they needed to rash in the vegetables per person at the table, which has never happened to me before, and then she gave the ladies behind us. Pre-filled soup bowls to go what you were supposed to charge for and didnt want to give us a bowl for the soup we were eating leftover to take home. she also seemed to have a problem with us asking for more than two bowls, even though it was advertised as endless.
Business Response
Date: 01/03/2024
This consumer contacted us directly and we've provided a complimentary gift card. We appreciate the opportunity to address their feedback.
Customer Answer
Date: 01/03/2024

Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Sincerely,

***********************
Initial Complaint
Date:12/19/2023
Type:Product Issues
Status:
ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
Longhorn steakhouse *******, ** constant attempts to overcharge for items that come with the meal.attempts to upcharge for things i didn't order.takeout staff didn't check the ticket (taped to the bag) and left food out.ridiculous excuses. everyone claims to not know anything.manager treats these like no big deal.director of operation sent me a B.S. email which skipped over specific concerns.had 2 months to resolve this and they did little to nothing. haven't gotten any answers since oct. 8th visit. all included in attachments.
Business Response
Date: 12/20/2023
Our Guest Relations will communicate with the operations leadership and follow up with the guest within the next
Customer Answer
Date: 12/22/2023

Complaint: 21030867

I am rejecting this response because:

I emailed them Wednesday @ 4:23p.m. and have not heard back one thing yet. My email response is attached as a .pdf file.

Sincerely,

*********************************
Business Response
Date: 12/26/2023
This has been escalated
Business Response
Date: 01/12/2024
We appreciate the opportunity to address this feedback. A complimentary gift card was sent to our guest.
Customer Answer
Date: 01/12/2024

Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Sincerely,

*********************************
Initial Complaint
Date:12/19/2023
Type:Service or Repair Issues
Status:
ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
We had a party of 12 to celebrate parents birthdays. Was a long wait of everyone being seated before us. Finally getting seated, orders taken by our server and put in, we continued to wait atleast an hour for our food, of which was cold and not edible when we received it. Our server was very good and was not at fault. She was very apologetic and did all she could for us....more so than the manager. The manager seemed as if we were a bother. Manager did say she would discount our tickets 50%...but she did not as you can see from my ticket. Our food was not edible, and needless to say, our parents birthday dinner and celebration was a huge disappointment and BUST!! None of us got a dinner worth eating and went home hungry after all the waiting. Why were we charged at all for food we could not eat? Management did not seem to care about any of it. Our server, Amanda T, went out of her way to be good to us and was very apologetic. Manager never returned to ask why it wasn't discounted the 50% as she said. She tried to say we did not wait that long, but Indeed we did! This incident was on 12/15/2023. Check# *****
This ticket was only for 3 of our 12.

I came home on Saturday night and tried to file a complaint on the Cheddar's page. But it's now Monday night and I've got no acknowledgement from that. The dollar amount shown that was paid, it does include the tip for server. Amount paid without gratuity was $42.03. The tickets were NOT discounted the 50%. We should not have been charged at all for the wait time and then to get food that was not edible. We could not even eat!!! And again, this was supposed to be a nice family birthday celebration for our parents. It was RUINED!!!
May NEVER go back it was that bad of an experience.
Business Response
Date: 12/20/2023
We are sorry to hear this visit was a disappointment and the situation was not resolved better in the restaurant. Earlier today, we responded directly to the email previously sent to us offering our apologies for the letdown. Additionally, a gift card was also sent. The card may be used toward a future visit at any of our restaurants and does not expire. We sincerely appreciate the feedback.
Customer Answer
Date: 12/21/2023

Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Sincerely,

******* *****
Initial Complaint
Date:12/18/2023
Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I have had ongoing issues since yesterday December 17, 2023 with Olive Garden in trying to purchase an online e-gift card. I had gotten an email stating that my order was completed and that it could take up to 6 hours for the recipients to receive the gift card through text message. I had notified the recipients so they would be aware that it was not spam and that I was sending the gift card to them. We waited all day and they still never received the gift card. I called Olive Garden this morning and they couldn't give me any reason why this had happened but my credit card company said that my credit card was fine and that it must have been a problem with Olive Garden's terminal. Once again, this morning, I had a representative from Olive Garden prepare the gift card for me to send. After we completed all the steps and I provided the email address this time of the recipients, I then got an email kicked back to me saying that my order could not be completed. This is an embarrassment and unacceptable. Olive Garden must provide better customer support and certainly Not just block your order and then not be able to tell you what the issue is.
Business Response
Date: 12/20/2023
We understand it can be frustrating when a payment does not go through. This can be for many reasons, such as billing information entered that does not match what the credit card bank has on file. These security measures are in place to protect both the credit card holder and the business. We're sorry the gift card order was unsuccessful because of this. You may consider another form of payment or buying them directly at one of our restaurants or a major retailer (such as Target, Amazon).
Initial Complaint
Date:12/18/2023
Type:Product Issues
Status:
ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
This high cost establishment charged $129.99 for the dinner. A $20 tip was left for the waiter. My card was charged an additional $20 for the tip./ You spent $129.99 at Capital Grille/Your transaction at Capital Grille has been updated from $129.99 to include tip. Your new total is $149.99.

Spoke to the manager for the refund. Had to make a second call after two days about not receiving the refund. I asked the manager how this would happen. The explanation was that it happens more than you know. That didn’t sit well with me since you know it happens, fix the problem! No apology! He says he submitted the refund and I should receive it by Monday, 12/18. He hoped I would go away and not call back obviously!
Business Response
Date: 12/21/2023
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns, Ms. ******. Charging our guest correctly is incredibly important and we regret hearing you were not accurately charged following your visit with us in Clayton.
We connected with Natalie H*******, the Managing Partner of that location, who confirmed that the discussed refund was processed by our Accounting Team as of December 15th, but we felt it important to also highlight the concern we have with your experience. This is something we take very seriously, and we apologize that is not how you left feeling. You should see the refund reflected in your account shortly - if you haven't already. You may also reach out to our Managing Partner at ************ if you need any additional assistance in this matter.
Business Response
Date: 12/28/2023
Thank you for the additional chance to look into this matter, Ms. ******. We heard back from Josh, one of the managers at our Clayton location who confirmed that a refund in the amount of $129.99 was processed today so you should see that reflected in your account soon. We appreciate the opportunity to leave you completely delighted.
Customer Answer
Date: 01/03/2024

Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Sincerely,

******** ******
Initial Complaint
Date:12/14/2023
Type:Customer Service Issues
Status:
ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I UNFORTUNATELY PURCHASES THREE GIFT CARDS IN THE AMOUNT OF 80.00 ONLINE AT OLIVE GARDEN ON 12/13/23. I WAS SENT A RECEIPT AND CONFIRMATION OF THESE GIFT CARD PURCHASES FROM OLIVE GARDEN ************ IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF 240.00. I NEVER RECEIVED THESE GIFT CARDS ONLINE AT MY EMAIL ADDRESS OF ************************ I CALLED OLIVE GARDEN CUSTOMER SERVICE ON 12/14/23 TO TELL THEM I HAD NOT RECEIVED THESE GIFT CARDS, BUT YET IT WAS BEING TAKING OUT OF MY BANK ACCOUNT, AND THE GIRL WAS RUDE, I KEPT GIVING HER INFORMATION, THE CONFIRMATION NUMBER, PHONE NUMBER, MY EMAIL ADDRESS, AND SHE KEPT PUTTING ME ON HOLD, THEN TOLD ME SHE COULD NOT FIND A RECORD OF IT. REALLY!!! FINALLY, WHILE I WAS TELLING HER TO REVERSE THE TRANSACTION AT THE MY BANK, AS I HAD NOT GOTTEN THESE GIFT CARDS, SHE PUT ME ON HOLD WHILE I WAS TALKING. LEFT ME THERE, I WAS AT WORK, SO COULDN'T STAY ON THE LINE INDEFINITELY.

EMAILED THEIR GIFT CARD EMAIL, NO RESPONSE OF COURSE.

CALLED CORPORATE OFFICE 407-245-4000, GOT A MALE, WHO INSISTED I HAD GOTTEN MY CARD, AND I REPEATEDLY TOLD HIM I HAD NOT AND IF I HAD, I WOULD NOT BE ON THE PHONE WASTING MY TIME TALKING TO HIM. HE SAID HE RESENT THE GIFT CARDS TO MY EMAIL, I CHECKED WHILE HE WAS ON THE PHONE AND THEY WERE NOT THERE. HE SAID IT WAS A PROBLEM ON MY END, I SAID NO, I DO NOT HAVE MY GIFT CARDS. I WAS IRATE OF COURSE.

I EXPECT THE CHARGES TO BE REVERSED, SINCE I DIDN'T GET THESE GIFT CARDS. OLIVE GARDEN IS NOT TO BE TRUSTED, ESPECIALLY THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE (WHICH THEY ARE NOT) PEOPLE.
Business Response
Date: 12/15/2023
I have replied to the guest to assist her with her delivery and refund concerns for her e-gift card purchase.

******** ********

***** ******
Guest Relations
Customer Answer
Date: 12/18/2023
Olive Garden made it right and reversed the money back in my account. For the record, I never got any gift cards I ordered.
i am satisfied with outcome, but they need to work on the customer service end, not the last person I talked to, but the two before her.
Business Response
Date: 12/18/2023
Good afternoon, Wanda, I have left a voicemail inviting Ms. ********* to call me on Dec 15th.
I sent the guest an email today Dec 18th, also explaining, the delivery issue of the electronic gift cards may have been due to the .gov email she provided. The cards showed successfully delivered on our end.
A refund was submitted by our Gift Card Services team on Dec 14th. it may take 5-7 business days for this to reflect in her account.
******** ********
Initial Complaint
Date:12/10/2023
Type:Customer Service Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
racially /service related
Business Response
Date: 12/13/2023
Please note this BBB complaint has no details about the interaction. The phone number is not in service and a valid email address was not provided. We're unable to resolve this without details. I will send a letter by mail inviting them to contact us, but this seems unusual as contacts from other consumers have the necessary information to understand the issue and resolve.
Business Response
Date: 12/13/2023
Please note this BBB complaint has no details about the interaction. The phone number is not in service and a valid email address was not provided. We're unable to resolve this without details. I will send a letter by mail inviting them to contact us, but this seems unusual as contacts from other consumers have the necessary information to understand the issue and resolve.
Initial Complaint
Date:12/07/2023
Type:Delivery Issues
Status:
ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
My husband and I placed an online order with Longhorn Steakhouse in **********, ** on 10-13-23. My steak was really burnt and not enjoyable at all. It was an Outlaw Ribeye ($31.29. The most expensive item on the receipt). My husband complained about it the day after with Longhorn but never heard anything back from them about a refund for that portion. The order total was $75.65. We were highly displeased and it is now 12-6-23 and still havent heard anything back. We would like a refund for the Outlaw Ribeye. Our order number was #************.
Business Response
Date: 12/21/2023
Our Guest Relations will follow up with the guest within the next 24hrs.
Customer Answer
Date: 12/22/2023
Everything is good. They contacted me and refunded the money.

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Darden Restaurants, Inc. is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.