Complaints

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

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Darden Restaurants, Inc. has 1372 locations, listed below.

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  Darden Restaurants, Inc.

  1000 Darden Center Dr Orlando, FL 32837-4032

• 

  Darden Restaurants, Inc.

  5900 Lake Ellenor Dr Orlando, FL 32809-4618

• 

  Darden Restaurants, Inc.

  12361 Apopka/Vineland Rd Orlando, FL 32819

• 

  Darden Restaurants, Inc.

  825 Lee Rd Orlando, FL 32810

• 

  Darden Restaurants, Inc.

  4010 W Vine St Kissimmee, FL 34741-4631

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:09/13/2024

  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.

  On 08/31/2024 my kids and I went to Olive Garden on ****************************************************************************************************. The total meal was $72.21. I applied a $25.00 gift card making the new total &*****. I was charged $61.21 on my card. I did not authorize a tip as I was unable to. I was only able to afford this meal due to the gift card. My server, ******************, stole a $14.00 tip from me. Due to this theft my account was put in the negative. I have gone back to the resturant twice to get this issue resolved with no results. When I went to the establishment the first time to correct the issue the manager, *****************, was very rude. He lied to my face, saying that my bank will overcharge my card to account for a tip. My account does not do that and I have never heard of any banks doing that. The only way I could have been over charged is if the waitress decided to commit credit card fraud and charge an unauthorized tip. The manager, *****************, then tried to shut me up with gift card once I caught him lying to me. I waited five business days to see if the issue was resolved and it wasn't. I returned a second time to Olive Garden to get the matter fixed. I talked to a stand in manager, as ***************** was not present, who said she would fix the issue. It has been a week since the second visit with no results. I would like the stolen tip returned to me and these people held accountable for credit card fraud and stealing money from me.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/13/2024

  We're sorry to hear of this experience.  This consumer reached out to us directly and a refund is in progress. We've refunded the amount charged to the credit card in full ($47.21). This will take several business days to appear on their account.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/13/2024

  After this update, we've heard from our Accounting team that the bank refund was rejected.  It appears that account has since been closed.  Refund will be sent in the form of a gift card.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/13/2024

   
  Complaint: 22280396
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  The amount charged to my card was not $47.21 it was $61.21. The amount of $61.21 was over charged because ****************** stole a $14 tip off my card. ****************** stole a $14 tip off of the $47.21 bill. If you want to refund the whole amount charged, the correct amount would be $61.21 as shown on my card statement. I was also emailed by Guest Relations claiming that a refund was attempted but where unable to. Guest Relations claims that the reason for this is possibly due to my account being closed. There is nothing wrong with my card or the account associated with it. I am tired of every Olive Garden employee blaming the customer and not trying to make good on mistakes. Guest Relations decided that a $50 e gift card would suffice. This is unacceptable, I don't ever want to eat at Olive Garden again so what makes you think a gift card would be a satisfactory resolution? I do not trust the Olive Garden franchise and would like my money back. 

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

  Business Response

  Date: 09/17/2024

  We submitted a refund to the credit card used for payment. The bank declined that credit, which typically means the account has been closed. In place of the credit card refund, we sent the guest a $50 gift card as reimbursement for the $14 in question. We apologize for the concern and appreciate the opportunity to address this feedback.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/18/2024

   
  Complaint: 22280396
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  There is nothing wrong with my account and I do not want to eat at another one of your locations. 

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/12/2024

  Type:Delivery 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.

  We come to the Olive Garden In gurnee ******** quite often.. most of the time all is good. This time it was issue after issue.. I feel like staff can benefit from some training . Upon arriving Sunday night around 7:05. I was ignored af the front door and lady who arrived after me by stood close to the host was served first . Its fine but they told her its a 10 min wait for a table for 4. I was told its a 30 min wait for table for 2 plus a baby in high chair. We get called to our table which is a booth across the bar , hostess tells us she will get a booster seat. I told her we have a 1 year old so booster seat will not work as I originally specified I need a high chair upon checking in. She loooked confused and left. Manager showed up apologized and found a different seat for us about 5 min later. Seats us and leaves (no water drinks menu ) for over 25 min. They were not busy that night . We waited for over 20 min and then my husband decided to just order things through the computer you have on each table. Drink menu was blocked from ordering and we were only able to order dipping marinara. I told my husband to order it so hopefully it will bring some attention to our table . After ordering that a waiter shows up and asks if we ordered it by mistake. I say we have been sitting here for over 30 min and thats the only way we figured we would get ur attention and yes we do not need it . He apologizes stated all the college kids went back to schoool so they are short on staff. Its poor planning and hiring practices quite honestly and should not be used as an excuse. We brush it off and order anyway. (Looking for another place with a toddler at 8pm is exhausting plus we do love Olive Garden food) we order 2 Italian margaritas to start and endless soup and salad . waiter brought out my husbands pasta soup without any pasta in it and acted defensiveI AM ATTACHING the rest of the complaint /issue via attachments below along with receipt.Thank you

  Business Response

  Date: 09/16/2024

  We appreciate the opportunity to address these concerns and apologize for the disappointing experience. Our restaurant manager has been in touch and sent a complimentary gift card.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/08/2024

  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.

  I am writing to report I had called in a To-Go order and spoke initially with ****** at the LongHorn Steakhouse in *********, **. I requested ****** to place the order instead of placing it for the customer I was bounced around to another agent "just" to place a simple To-Go order. I could not understand why **************** is no longer 1st priority. This is unsatisfactory. Then, after finally placing the order and after picking up the garden salad with fried chicken and honey mustard dressing. As I prepared to take a couple bites, I discovered a long strand black hair follicle in my salad which went into my mouth is how I discovered there was other than food in my entree. This is absolutely unacceptable, unsettling, and disgusting. I had to through the entire entree away. (See attachment)Attempted to email ******************************************* with this compliant, to no avail businesses have undisclosable emails to avoid customer complaints.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/09/2024

  Our leadership team has reached out to the Guest to address the issue.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/10/2024

   
  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 after speaking with ********************************* with an apology for a pathway the business will see to it assure they do not have a reoccurrence of similar issue in the future. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/05/2024

  Type:Product 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 several e-gift cards that are not working, and I have been told at Olive Garden that they are expired and have not expiration date on them.1- 6315 5652 4607 9219 activated 3/20/24 ****** 7105 8981 6670 activated 10/4/2023 3- 6218 0895 6576 2952 activated 10/4/23 This had happened prior and threw approx. $25 out but this time I wrote the dates on them, so I am positive they are good.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/05/2024

  We don't recommend posting full gift card numbers publicly because doing so increases the chance of fraud.  Gift card numbers should be treated like cash. 
  
  We checked these gift cards and two of the three have $10 balances. There's no record of any redemption attempts on these cards. They are valid now and have no expiration date.
  
  Gift Card Ending in 2952 was used in full at *****, DE Olive Garden on 10/14/2023. There is no remaining balance.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/05/2024

  Please redact the full gift card numbers when this complaint is posted on the BBB site.  The card numbers could easily be stolen.

  Thank you!

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/28/2024

  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.

  On 08/26/24 at 4:00 pm, I purchased a To Go order from Olive Garden. My order was 1 tour of Italy to go and 1 Toscana to go, for $26.12 ID# ***************; General manager name on my receipt is ***************************. When I arrived home, about 20 minutes later I began to eat my food that I ordered from Olive Garden. I noticed that the chicken was extremely hard under the melted cheese, the noodles' was like rubbery and hard, the soup seem ok but it did not have all the ingredients as said to be (no bacon). I managed to eat a small portion and it was horrible. My stomach felt like it was bubbling, and turning, I was unable to control my bowels and diarrheic took over. The food served was old and steal and I requesting a total refund and an apology with compensation. Olive Garden is a reputable business chain and in no way should serve the public food to that degree.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/29/2024

  While we have had no other reported illnesses, this concern is important to know as we serve thousands of guests each week. We've asked our Accounting Team to issue a credit to the card used for payment. Additionally, we're sending a gift card to use on a future visit.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/23/2024

  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.

  I took my son to Olive Garden in ******** on August 15 for his birthday as per his request. We were an hour and a half from home. When we got there our server was taking forever to come do anything. We got salad and once it was about halfway through I found a big black bug with pinchers on it in the salad. I called over the girls seating people since our waitress was **** she got the manager. When I showed him he said they dont cut their own lettuce there and its not from them. I said I dont care where its cut its in my food! Please cancel my food. My kids still wanted theirs so he said he would take care of the check. After this, the waitress never came back. She never checked to see if we were ok, never apologized, never brought the breadsticks that we were waiting for. After a bit we ended up walking out starving and going somewhere else to eat. It was my sons 13th birthday and that was all he wanted, we didnt even get to sing happy birthday that night due to us being so far from home and them having bugs in their food. I called corporate the next day and they said someone would follow up. No one did. I called corporate today (8/23/24) at 2:21pm, she did not have any previous complaint from me. So that means nobody even listened when I called. I told her its clear their company does not give a s*** about its customers to which then she hung up on me. I called back again an additional 2 times once at 2:30 and once at 2:31pm and she proceeded to pick up the phone and hang up without even saying anything, then picked up and left it on the hold music forever. My sons birthday was ruined and you guys do not even acknowledge what a dirty restaurant this is and the fact that nobody even corrected the situation!

  Business Response

  Date: 08/26/2024

  The General Manager from our *****, ** restaurant attempted to reach this consumer several times after her first call August 16th.  She was unable to get through due to a full voice mail.  We've followed up by email with a complimentary gift card.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/20/2024

  Type:Product 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 visited the Olive Garden located at *******************************************, yesterday and was deeply disappointed with the service and attitude we encountered. I had my family and my father visiting from overseas. After a day trip to *****, **, I wanted to treat them to a good American dining experience. We stopped at this Olive Garden on our way home.We ordered five main courses with endless salad and one kids' meal for six adults and one child. However, the server brought us only one bowl of salad and informed us that we would be charged extra for any additional bowls. This contradicts the concept of "endless salad." When I explained that we had ordered six main courses with endless salad, she insisted on charging us extra for refills. I politely requested to speak with the manager.When the manager arrived, he repeated the same policy, stating that we were only entitled to one bowl of salad. I asked if we could receive at least two more bowls so each main course could have a half bowl of salad, but he refused and told us we were free to leave if we wished. This response was both rude and unprofessional, leading us to leave the restaurant.I have dined at many Olive Garden locations and have always enjoyed the experience with family and friends. However, the attitude and unreasonable demands from this restaurant's manager were unacceptable. It does not make sense that a person ordering an endless salad meal should receive only a quarter bowl with no refills. This seems like a scam orchestrated by the manager, and I plan to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.I am writing to seek resolution and expect a call, an apology to me and my family, and an invitation to return to the Olive Garden. Additionally, I hope the manager will be held accountable for this rude and disrespectful behavior.Thank you.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/21/2024

  Our entrees come with a first course of endless soup or salad. Ordering an entree is required to receive endless salad or soup. If the salad and refills are shared with someone who has not ordered an entree, there is an additional charge for the extra person. This practice is in place so we can offer never ending salad or soup at a price that's a great value. We sorry this deterred from your experience and appreciate the opportunity to address your feedback and clarify. 

  We've also provided a complimentary gift card as a goodwill gesture.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/14/2024

  Type:Delivery 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.

  My husband and I have gone to the *************** MA location quite a bit.It was OK for a while after the ** addressed concerns where my to go orders were constantly being messed up with seasoning I could not have.Now we have done simple to go orders for the kids and the tenders are half cooked, no bread, missing items all around.That just happened again on our order today 8/14 4:10 pm est. Check number ****** LH store no 5158.Granted that was only 9 dollars but I'm going to be honest my husband has told me to be quiet when we do go in ** even the servers there still get the order wrong when you say no seasoning. You have one girl with brunette hair that works afternoons that is super gruff in nature and for the price you're charging...I could easily go to a more expensive restaurant, get a larger portion, pay a little more but get treated better. None of your servers anymore deserve the ***** percent tip bc they have got worse. Fix the issues, because you claim you do. And then it starts all over again.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/15/2024

  Our Guest Relations will communicate with the operations leadership and  follow up with the guest within the next 48hrs.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/15/2024

   
  Complaint: 22143798
  
  I am rejecting this response because:there was no response...except passing the **** and ignoring as usual. We're done with the restaurant.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** And ***********************

  Business Response

  Date: 08/20/2024

  An email reply has been sent to the Guest, and their comments have been shared with our operations team for appropriate guidance.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/14/2024

  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.

  Please see the attached document to read my full unaddressed complaint.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/14/2024

  It's troubling to hear of your experience this past weekend.  This is definitely not the type of visit we ever want for you and apologize for the frustrating time.  We've already sent you an email requesting a few details so we can assist with addressing your concerns and providing a refund.  We look forward to connecting further with you.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/13/2024

  Type:Product 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.

  This is for the corporate office and not the local restaurant chain as its an issue with corporate.We visited your Ohio Cheddars Scratch Kitchen restaurant location. We dined in on 8/1/24@ 1:16pm. **** was having a state tax holiday from 12am 7/30/24-11:59pm 8/8/24. The state tax holiday included waiving dine in tax during that time period listed above. I saw I was charged dine in sales tax when it should have been waived. I spoke with a manager and his manager sent him out to tell me that Cheddars corporate REFUSED to honor the waived sales tax during the Ohio State tax holiday. The manager tried explaining to the general manager and corporate office that I was correct in waiving the sales tax (upon the manager researching it ) but he said Corporate still refused to waive the dine in tax and there was nothing that could be done since Corporate wasnt honoring it. The State of Ohio states that if consumers are charged the tax we are to file a report to the state for the tax refund and then they will hold the restaurant liable for not honoring the state tax holiday. Im wondering how many other people your corporate office has affected by not honoring the Ohio State tax holiday for Ohioans. Im going to attach my receipt showing the highlighted tax I was charged and not refunded as well as the time and date. Also, here is the state tax holiday site showing that you were to waive my dine in tax. *************************************************************************************************************** I am also attaching what the state says is covered for the state tax holiday and dine is part of it. Im requesting my tax refund from corporate before I have to fill out a sales tax refund form through the State that says it will hold the chain liable for not following the state tax holiday. I am asking for a refund of $2.63 in tax that wasnt to be charged by the chain. Im also hoping for a gift card for the trouble in having to get the tax back by state law.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/14/2024

  We appreciate you dining with us and apologize for the error with your check.  You should not have been charged sales tax given the statewide holiday and, certainly, this should have been resolved that day by our restaurant team for you.  We've processed the refund this morning for the sales tax and we've already sent you an eCard for your next visit. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.