Olive Garden is not shutting down permanently. The latest reliable reports indicate that the company is making location-level adjustments and holiday closures, not a nationwide or permanent shutdown of all stores. Most headlines claiming a total shutdown are misinformation or misinterpretations of routine business decisions.

Key points to understand

• No evidence of a nationwide shutdown: There is no credible, official announcement that Olive Garden plans to close all 900 locations permanently. Any widespread closure rumors have been debunked by coverage that points to location-level decisions rather than a company-wide exit.

• Location-level changes are normal: Some individual Olive Garden locations may close, relocate, or remodel for strategic reasons (e.g., traffic patterns, lease terms, or physical upgrades). This does not imply the entire chain will disappear.

• Holiday closures are planned, not a permanent shutdown: Reports from multiple outlets confirm that all Olive Garden locations will close briefly on Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2025 so staff can spend time with family. These are temporary, nationwide closures for holidays, not a permanent shutdown.

• Long-standing practices and numbers sometimes misunderstood: While there are occasional promotional or viral posts about closures, official statements emphasize continued openings, ongoing expansion in some markets, and remodels rather than a mass shutdown. Always check the company’s official communications for the most accurate details.

What to do next if you’re planning a visit

• Check your local Olive Garden’s hours: For holidays, many locations will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, but most days they’ll be operating normally. A quick check of the store locator or a call to your local restaurant will give you the exact hours.

• Watch for official announcements: If there are any substantial changes affecting many locations, Olive Garden’s corporate channels or trusted business outlets will report it clearly.

Direct answer: There is no confirmed plan to shut down Olive Garden nationwide or permanently. The current situation involves routine location-level adjustments and temporary holiday closures, not a mass exodus of the entire chain.