Olive Garden's 'Pasta Pass' Returns, Selling Out Quickly Amid Fan Frustration

Olive Garden's highly anticipated Never-Ending Pasta Pass has returned for the first time since 2019, offering 13 weeks of unlimited pasta for $100. However, the limited availability of just 10,000 passes nationwide has led to widespread frustration among fans who are concerned about their ability to obtain one.

The promotion, which went on sale July 16, quickly saw passes claimed, with the website stating they "went faster than breadsticks." Olive Garden indicated that more announcements may be forthcoming. "We wish we could give the Pasta Pass experience to everyone, but all the passes have been claimed," the company said in a statement. "Stay in touch by joining our eClub and keep your eyes peeled on our Instagram over the next few weeks - you never know what’s coming next."

Previous releases of the Never-Ending Pasta Pass, which first launched in 2014, have sold out within minutes. This history has fueled concerns that automated bots could claim the passes before human customers have a chance, a sentiment echoed by many social media users. "Bots will buy them all before real people even have a chance," one Reddit user commented, with another adding, "I've tried every year they offered them before. They're gone in seconds."

Despite the difficulty in securing a pass, the return of the promotion was driven by years of customer demand. "Even years later, guests still ask us about Never-Ending Pasta Pass, which speaks to the lasting enthusiasm and connection our fans have for it," said Jaime Bunker, Olive Garden's senior vice president of marketing. "Bringing it back felt like the right way to recognize the loyalty of so many guests who have kept it top of mind all these years, while celebrating what they love most about Olive Garden – abundance and incredible value – all wrapped into one experience."

Pass holders can enjoy unlimited pasta, with a choice of 120 combinations of pasta, sauces, and protein toppings, from August 24 through November 22. This year's offerings include new additions like Spicy Alfredo sauce and Crispy Shrimp Fritta as a protein option. The pass provides early access before the chain's annual Never-Ending Pasta Bowl promotion begins.

For those unable to obtain a Pasta Pass, Olive Garden's annual Never-Ending Pasta Bowl promotion will still be available nationwide from August 31 through November 22. This promotion starts at $14.99 and includes unlimited refills of pasta, soup or salad, and breadsticks.