Many restaurants already allow patrons to call ahead for seating as a way to avoid long waits when they walk through the door. While Olive Garden has never adhered to this option, the restaurant is now taking that idea and making it its own: allowing guests to check in on the web to save tables.
The Orlando Sentinel reports that by the end of the week all 843 Olive Garden restaurants around the country will enable web check-in for patrons.
Through the system, which was previously being tested in Florida, customers visit the Olive Garden website or use its mobile app, find their location, and put their names on a wait list.
Restaurants currently offering the check-in option can be found on the company’s store locator page, with each location denoted with a “no wait” or estimated wait time.
Clicking “join wait list” prompts a pop-up asking for the customer’s name, phone number, and other information.
If customers don’t show up to the restaurant in time, the Sentinel reports they will be skipped over on the list and have to wait longer for their table.
“Guests can now plan their evenings before even stepping foot outside of their homes,” said Olive Garden spokeswoman Jessica Dinon told the Sentinel.
Olive Garden expands online check-in nationwide [Orlando Sentinel]
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Super Love this place. The food , The ambiance, the smell of the parmesan, Pasta to Salad and Chicken & Gnocchi soup of course. before I forgot the free Watermelon Sangria is heaven!
I will always comeback!
Last Updated on 09/21/2021 by GS Staff
Can I make a reservation at Olive Garden?
Olive Garden does not take reservations. However, the restaurant chain allows guests to add their names to the waitlist before leaving their homes. Keep reading to find out how to get your name on the waitlist prior to heading to Olive Garden.
Olive Garden Waitlist
In order to get on the waitlist, visit olivegarden.com/locations/location-search. Type in your city, state, or zip code in the search bar to find an Olive Garden near you.
A list of restaurants will be displayed as shown in the example below.
Click the “Join Wait List” button next to the location’s name.
You will then have the ability to add your information to join the waitlist. You will be required to enter the number of guests [6 maximum], your name, phone number, email address, and whether you want special offers & news sent to you. After this information has been complete, click the “Join Wait List” button.
You will then be confirmed on the waitlist at the location you selected. The webpage [see below] will show your position on the waitlist, location, guest name, number of guests, phone number, and email address. You have the ability to make changes from the screen such as editing the number of guests and removing your party from the waitlist.
Final Notes
You cannot join the waitlist online for parties greater than 6 guests. Olive Garden suggests calling the restaurant if you have a larger party to see if they can accommodate you. Additionally, you may find that some restaurants do not have the ability for guests to join the waitlist online. If this is the case for your local Olive Garden, feel free to call the restaurant to see if they assist you with your request.
The ability to join a waitlist online has become popular at many chain restaurants such as Red Robin and Texas Roadhouse. Be sure to check online before you leave to visit any chain restaurant to see if they have an option to speed up your wait time.
Image Credit – Mike Mozart/flickr
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