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.

  1000 Darden Center Dr Orlando, FL 32837-4032

• 

  Darden Restaurants, Inc.

  12557 SR 535 Orlando, FL 32819

• 

  Darden Restaurants, Inc.

  55 W Church St Orlando, FL 32801

• 

  Darden Restaurants, Inc.

  340 W SR 436 Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

• 

  Darden Restaurants, Inc.

  P O Box 592037 Orlando, FL 32859

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:06/23/2024

  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.

  To whom it may concern Today June 23. 2024 at the Olive Garden *************, ** . It is with utter disgust that my family and I have experienced today a colossal catastrophe in you Restaurant. Im still sick on my stomach, just thinking about it. Having being faithful patrons of your brand on all levels from *******************, longhorn, Olive Garden, *********** and Bahama breeze, today was disgusting!! Disgusting to the point, where I called my best friend the food and safety auditor for the next steps in reporting your disgusting practice. Today we found a worm in our tea!! Yes , a worm which we took pictures of and reported to your young manager ; ***** who was overwhelmed himself with what to do. Who tried to patch this up with a measly 25 dollar gift card. Really!! We just found a huge worm in our tea and a baby worm in another tea. Who knows what we all ingested???? He then said the ** was out until Wednesday and could call us later; what??? This is very unacceptable!! He takes all of our name and email for the little gift card but what about the contamination??? What about us getting sick because we just drank from cups with a live worm and baby worms. So I called my auditor best friend who does food safety in and out the country who informed us to first contact our local health department in ************** . Im appalled that you could have an infestation and your manager and servers acted as if it was no big deal. To add to the lack of care, one server commented we were messing up her money because the other customer saw the worm and notice the commotion!! Seriously!! What about our health and everyone in that restaurant who couldve had ingested a worm or worse!! My family and I will not be pushed aside as if nothing happened and we are appalled at all the wrong customer service behaviors!! Disgruntled and Disgusting!!*********************** *************

  Business Response

  Date: 06/24/2024

  We received confirmation that our GM and Director have been in contact with the guest and the concerns have been resolved.  

  Olive Garden 

  Guest Relations 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/18/2024

  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.

  I went here to have dinner and I made a reservation I got there when I was supposed to instead of placing me that was single they were placing families the other people did not have a reservation and then they put me over by the bar where I asked them not to put me and then a few minutes later a guy dropped a bunch of glasses but I asked him not to put me back there I wanted to be in the main dining room but they only wanted to put families there there are plenty of tables and boost open but instead they stuck me in the back corner by it the kitchen because I was a single person I find it being discrimination because they figure they're not going to get his biggest tip is one person they always want to put one person in the bar I don't drink I don't want to be at a bar I had a reservation the other people did not and they seated them before me because they figured they make more money I asked not to be by a bar or by the kitchen and the manager put me there anyways and then a few minutes later the guy two feet from me broke a bunch of glass I called back and they offered no apology at all and I wasn't going to go back there for them to spit in my food or worse so I asked to talk to the manager and she wouldn't let me I was never rude to anyone I just don't understand why they treat single people this way I'll probably be filing a petition

  Business Response

  Date: 06/25/2024

  Thank you for sharing your feedback with the Better Business Bureau.
  
  The information we received from the BBB did not include the restaurant you visited. Was this an Olive Garden, Yard House, *********************** Steakhouse, or another Darden brand?  Please also let us know the specific location (city and state), so you're feedback can be addressed by the correct team.
  
  Thank you again for your time. I hope to hear back from you soon!

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/25/2024

  Olive garden ************************************************************************* **************

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/01/2024

   
  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. They called me and we talked they listened to me 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/10/2024

  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.

  6/6/24. 3:26p.m. called olive garden headquarters. Option # 5. She gave me her name but it was unclear. I told her I spoke with ****** at 11:30 am same day about situation with wording on restaurant receipt (included the word"fail" ) **** told me to send her an e mail with picture of receipt and she would call me in about 30 minutes after that. I did.No callI back. So when I called headquarters again at **************************************** that **** said I had to wait till an unspecified time. The original problem was a transaction on 6/4/24 in which my dad say he is sure that he gave the waiter an olive garden gift card that was declined. However, my dad say he did not receive the gift card back from the waiter, so my dad paid with credit card. So, I called headquarters to find out if they could tell me what the word "fail" refers to. I also would like the declined gift card back.I was annoyed and expressed

  Business Response

  Date: 06/10/2024

  ************** contacted the guest and offered to mail a $35.00 gift card. The system was most likely offline, and the gift card did not process and the receipt is showing CVM Fail. This has been escalated to investigate why this occurred. The guest mentioned to ***** that she contacted Consumer Affairs and if they contacted u,s we could inform them the matter is resolved.  

   

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

  Guest Relations 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/15/2024

  MATTER IS RESOLVED

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/09/2024

  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.

  I placed a pickup order last night at the ******************************************* location. We live around an hour drive so by the time the food was picked up and brought home, the restaurant was closed. I attempted to call and no answer. We immediately noticed the kids sides were incorrect on the kids meals. All received fries, 2 out of the 3 were supposed to come with grapes. And we did not get the sprites we ordered for the kids meals. The main issue was with my chicken tortellini dish, which after first bite of chicken I noticed it was very stringy and tasted funny. Upon further inspection I noticed bits of pink throughout my chicken. I checked my husbands chicken tortellini, his was the exact same. They served both myself and husband undercooked chicken. I am 17 weeks pregnant and now worried I have to call my OBGYN to make sure everything is alright. Ive been throwing up all morning. My husband also took a few bites of his chicken however the only one sick is me which is why Im concerned now for the health of my unborn baby. Never in my life has a restaurant served me undercooked chicken. This issue set the tone for the rest of the meal, and not something any of us wanted to continue eating. Olive Garden needs to do better. I spent a lot of money at this location, and for this to happen is demoralizing.Order number ************ Order email: ********************* Order phone number: ************ Order location, *************, IN

  Business Response

  Date: 06/10/2024

  Dear ******,
  
  Your patronage is certainly valued, and we are sorry to learn of your disagreeable experience. I hope you are feeling better. While we have had no other reported illnesses, your concern is important to know as we serve thousands of guests each week. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you, and I'm sorry to learn your takeout experience did not go perfectly.
  
  Whether taking your meal with you or dining in with us, you should always be able to count on hot, great tasting food. It is clear from your feedback that we failed on that promise, and we apologize for your disappointing takeout. The managers at our ************* restaurant will be utilizing your comments to ensure all of our guests consistently receive exemplary service.
  
  Please give us another chance and allow us to provide you with a better experience. To make things right, I am sending you a $100.00 e-gift card in a separate email. When your e-gift card arrives in your inbox, follow the instructions to activate and redeem your gift card. I have also submitted a refund for the card ending in 3604 for $99.53. Please allow 5-7 business days for this to reflect in your account. 
  
  Our General Manager, ***********************, would love to know the next time you join us. The number at the restaurant is ************. If the General Manager is not in that day, please ask for another manager.
  
  We hope to have the opportunity to serve you again soon.
  
  Sincerely,
  

  *************;

  Guest Relations 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/07/2024

  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.

  The date was 6/6/2024, I did an online order on that date for an Outlaw Steak cooked medium rare with loaded baked potato and steamed rice. I waited in my vehicle for I know 30 minutes prior to getting a message saying my food was ready. I got out my car walked in stood there 10 minutes before I got my food. I arrived home, my steak was burned. I decided to try it out and I tasted like pure charcoals. My toppings for my steak which was chives, butter, cheese and sour cream was in one small clear container cup. I could not eat that c*** I called back up to the store and requested for my store manager only to be place on hold for 7 minutes. No one ever came back to the phone to speak with me. This is sad and the ********, ** location should be shut down.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/10/2024

  Our Guest Relations will communicate with the guest within the next 72hrs
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/04/2024

  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.

  My family went to eat there on Sunday June 2 around 3:30 pm. My daughter and I ordered the ribs. They came out burnt and hard as a brick. I took two bites and it had a not so pleasant taste like they had been left out or something. I ate the two sides and called the manager over about the meat. He took it off our bill. About 5-6 hours later I got severely sick vomiting and diarrhea which lasted for over ***************************************************************************************************************************** my gut from contaminated food. I want compensation for loss of work, and the hospital bill or I will have to file a lawsuit. I almost died of dehydration. This restaurant had a ***** problem awhile back too. I know because I used to work there and the management was telling us to just squish them discretely if we see one. The restaurant was never shut down. The kitchen was never clean.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/04/2024

  We are concerned and sorry to hear you did not feel well following your visit.  We have emailed you personally at the email address you provided so we can connect further and resolve your concerns.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/30/2024

  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 recently ate at the Olive Garden( 29 May 2024) and I sent a complaint immediately that same night on your contact us page to report that I found GLASS IN MY SOUP. I KEPT THE ****** WHAT THE **** ARE YOU SERIOUS?! HELP!

  Business Response

  Date: 06/04/2024

  This is something we take seriously and are investigating how this occurred. Our restaurant manager has issued a full refund for his order. We've offered to send a complimentary gift card as well.  We appreciate the opportunity to address these concerns.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/05/2024

   
  Complaint: 21781642
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  That was a f****** pic of glass you worthless pieces of s*** I reported your company to the DEPARTMENT IF HEALTH. WHO offers someone a gift card to the same place that just did this shit? Im not about to put up with this garbage when you answer back my complaint will be laced with profanity AGAIN I want this complaint to be public you b******* didnt take anything seriously here ROT IN HELL
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/05/2024

   
  Complaint: 21781642
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  That was a f****** pic of glass you worthless pieces of s*** I reported your company to the DEPARTMENT IF HEALTH. WHO offers someone a gift card to the same place that just did this shit? Im not about to put up with this garbage when you answer back my complaint will be laced with profanity AGAIN I want this complaint to be public you b******* didnt take anything seriously here ROT IN HELL
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

  Business Response

  Date: 06/05/2024

  Our Director of Operations has personally addressed this matter. We made a good faith effort to resolve this by providing a full refund and a made an offer of a generous gift card.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/05/2024

   
  Complaint: 21781642
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  Why would anybody think its generous to be sent to the same place where you have GLASS IN THE **** whores?
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/05/2024

  I have contacted our department of health in my state to address the issue I have. They never made any good faith attempts this was a fraud! There was glass in my meal and I will be following up with the health department, this is the safety of other people!

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/26/2024

  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 went to long horn 5/25 independence Ohio this usually been my go to restaurant but after my last experience I wont be back the family proportion went down so has the customer service the host wasnt friendly at all the waitress was okay but she didnt even give us bread we had to ask her I order the same thing all the time its usually fulfilling not this time proportion of my meal was almost like a kids proportion of a meal tenders half the size not as much fries I ordered 9 count tenders but only received 8 the waitress did give me another but I shouldnt have to count my food I was there with 2 other people only 1 person was pleased with their food while the person in my party complained to me about her steak being too salty I never had a bad experience here regarding the food usually the service but this time I had a problem with both the Service and food I dont think it was worth the $20 I paid which is why I wont be back longhorn is no longer my go to place

  Business Response

  Date: 05/29/2024

  Our Guest Relations team will reach out to the guest with in 48 hrs.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/21/2024

  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 went to Olive Garden 4/7/24 and filed a complaint about the service I received. I was told the area manager would give me a call since the store manager was dismissive and didnt care until I mentioned I would call corporate back. I never received a call from the area manager nor the insurance company. Its been almost two months now.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/29/2024

  We appreciate the opportunity to address these concerns.  Our director of operations has been in touch and provided a gift card. Our insurance company has been in touch as well.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/29/2024

   
  Complaint: 21741159
  
  I am rejecting this response because customer service advised that there are times that Southwest refunds nonrefundable flights. I was advised a few times that a disaster did allow Southwest to refund flights and it was done before. Also there is a process of $100 for the ** being refunded and they said you should of did that. As that is refundable. However, the rest $159.98 that was put as a flight credit should also be refunded as a courtesy.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

  Business Response

  Date: 05/30/2024

  We've fulfilled the desired settlement from the original BBB complaint "Desired Settlement: Contact by the business; Store credit; Contact by the area manager and the insurance company."   Our director of operations has been in touch, provided a generous gift card, and our insurance company confirmed they've spoken with the guest.  The comments regarding ********* Airlines do not seem related to this concern with Olive Garden.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/20/2024

  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.

  Longhorn Restaurant advertises their ***** filet on their website. When you order, which I have 3 times, Dec 23, Apr 24, and May 17th this year. The steak is nothing like the picture. It used to be, but apparently they have cheapened it. The steak you get is less than 1 inch thick, looks like a sirloin. They said it a filet, and could be, nothing like what everyone else thinks is a filet. I contacted them in Dec and they sent me an e-gift *****. That isn't the point. Their advertising is still the same 6 months later. These are at the restaurants in ********, Il, (the complaint) and **********, **. Their filets used to outstanding, now not worth it. You can pull the meat apart on what they call a filet. On a real filet you cannot pull the meat apart. On May 17th, I sent them a message via their web site, and also via X. Their advertising are lies.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/22/2024

  Our Guest Relations will communicate with the guest within the next 48hrs.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/22/2024

  I received. an e gift card.  I don't care about the card.  They need to change their advertising, instead of telling me to tell the cook, I don't want a weighted filet, I want a real. one.   It's false advertising to. picture a 1 1/2 inch filet, and when you order it, it's not even an inch thick, and texture is much different.  Do you not agree it's false advertising to order something that looks nothing like the menu????????   Thousands of people are affected and say nothing.  

  B *******

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/27/2024

   
  Complaint: 21729796
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/28/2024

  They sent me an e-gift card....Which I didn't care about.

  I can't believe that Darden and BBB can't see the issue.  False advertising is the issue to millions, not just me.

  They advertise ***** filet as  1 1/2 inch high.  That isn't what you get.  You get a piece of weighted meat with 6 or 9 oz, not even 1 inch thick, that looks like sirloin

  Their fillet was always outstanding prior to changing it.  Now, not so much.  The texture is also an issue, but has nothing to do with false advertising. 

  Their solution is for me to tell the manager, I don't wan't weighted meat, I want a real filet.  In the meantime millions of others get the weighed meat.  I don't understand, why no one understands what the real issue is??????

  B *******

   

  Business Response

  Date: 05/29/2024

  The thickness of a Steak depends on the desire temperature that our guest order it, we'll use thinner steaks for upper temperatures. Should you have concerns during future visits, please speak with a manager on duty
  before you leave the restaurant. Our managers would be happy to speak with you about your experience

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/31/2024

   
  Complaint: 21729796
  
  I am rejecting this response because Darden advertises falsely and they, and you, are avoiding the issue.  When I see the picture of ***'s filet, which they advertise, and get nothing that looks like it, that's false advertising.  So I am supposed to now be the only customer, at **********************, to know that I have to ask the manager???  Really.  What good it the better business bureau if they cannot recognize this company   This is the ******************* in ******** and the ******************* in ********.   

  I have attached what they advertise.  What I got was a 6 oz piece of meat that was maybe 3/4 of an inch thick.  It doesn't match the what Longhorn displays. What does one call that?  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Business Response

  Date: 06/03/2024

  Weve listened to her feedback, and sent a gift card for her disappointment.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/05/2024

   
  Complaint: 21729796
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Yes, they sent me a gift card.  They have not resolved the issue of false advertising.  They are still going to advertise their their ***** filet as 1 1/2 think, when in fact, it looks like a piece of sirloin, maybe 3/4 of an inch thick.  Then I am told to  tell the manager of server.  So only 1 person who eats at Longhorn knows how to get the filet they advertise.  What is the BBB for?  Are you in favor of false advertising?   They are lying to their customers.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************