Olive Garden has emerged as the top casual dining choice for baby boomers, according to a YouGov survey of 7,500 U.S. adults. The Italian restaurant chain received a 33.8% preference among individuals aged 65 and older, surpassing competitors such as Texas Roadhouse, Applebee's, Cracker Barrel, and Outback Steakhouse.
Generational Dining Preferences
The YouGov study also revealed generational divides in casual dining preferences. While Olive Garden led among baby boomers, Gen X, and millennials, Generation Z selected Chili's as their favorite. Chili's narrowly edged out Olive Garden among 18- to 29-year-olds, with 29.6% of the vote compared to Olive Garden's 28.7%.
Olive Garden was the most considered casual dining brand for adults aged 30-44 and 45-64. The chain also ranked highly for service and dining experience across all surveyed age groups.
Factors Influencing Dining Choices
According to Chad Moutray, chief economist for the National Restaurant Association, quality, hospitality, and the overall dining experience are critical factors for consumers when choosing where to eat. Morning Consult's Most Trusted Brands report further indicated that Olive Garden's appeal extends across various dining occasions, including family outings, avoiding cooking, and satisfying specific food cravings. The report noted that Olive Garden possesses the broadest emotional resonance of any brand, with more people thinking positively about it than its competitors.
Olive Garden leads in categories such as dining out with family, occasions where diners do not wish to cook, and for those seeking generous portions. The chain, established in 1982, has a significant presence in the casual dining sector.
Among other casual dining brands favored by baby boomers, Texas Roadhouse received 28.2% preference, followed by Applebee's at 24.7%, Cracker Barrel at 24%, and Outback Steakhouse at 22.1%.