Olive Garden Offers Lighter, Budget-Friendly Dishes to Satisfy Diners
Olive Garden’s parent company, Darden Restaurants, is piloting a new “Lighter Portion Entrées” menu at nearly 40% of its Olive Garden locations. The idea is to offer smaller servings of seven popular dishes, such as Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Spaghetti & Meatballs, at reduced prices. These lighter‐portion options are optional add-ons; they do not replace the existing full portion menu.
The lighter entrees are priced in the range of approximately $12.99 to $13.99 (varying by market) and are available at dinner and all day on weekends. Despite offering less food, the company says customers have generally felt the portions are sufficient. The shift is aimed at responding to consumer demand for more affordable, flexible options amid inflation and cost pressures.
Early feedback has been “encouraging,” according to Darden’s leadership. Olive Garden has seen a 15% increase in customer ratings for affordability. The company hopes the initiative not only helps maintain guest satisfaction but also contributes to long-term growth, especially as it navigates broader financial challenges and evolving consumer preferences.
Learn more here.
Target Kicks Off Biggest Circle Week with Exclusive Deals
Target Corporation is set to host its most extensive Target Circle Week yet, running from October 5-11. This seven-day event offers significant discounts across various categories, including everyday essentials, fall fashion, Halloween items, and early holiday gifts. All Target Circle members, Target's free loyalty program, will have access to daily "Deal of the Day" promotions, featuring discounts of 40% or more on popular national brands such as Apple, GE, and Crocs. Additionally, members can enjoy savings of up to 50% on select items, including kitchen appliances, bedding, and toys.
For those enrolled in Target Circle 360, the retailer's paid membership program, additional perks are available. These members receive early access to deals, exclusive in-store experiences with surprise giveaways, and opportunities to earn Target Circle Rewards ahead of the holiday season. Special product drops, available only at Target, will also be featured during the event.
The upcoming Target Circle Week is designed to assist guests in preparing for the fall season and upcoming holidays by providing substantial savings on a wide range of products.
Learn more here.
IHG Launches Ruby Hotels in U.S.
IHG Hotels & Resorts is launching its Ruby brand in the U.S., its 20th global brand. Ruby targets the urban “micro hotel” segment with an emphasis on efficient, stylish design tailored for city-center settings. Ruby, originally founded in Germany in 2013, already has 34 hotels open or in development in Europe. The U.S. rollout will focus on major urban markets, using new builds, conversions, and adaptive reuse projects.
Ruby’s positioning aims to deliver what guests care most about—cozy, well-appointed rooms with quality finishes including rainfall shorts and high-quality bath amenities. The public areas are planned to be inviting, featuring locally inspired interior design, 24/7 bars, and coffee services to appeal to both guests and neighborhood visitors.
"Ruby is a brand built for the future of hospitality. Its success in Europe speaks to the growing demand for flexible, lifestyle-focused hotels in highly traveled locations,” said Jolyon Bulley, CEO, Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts. IHG hopes to grow Ruby’s portfolio to over 120 hotels in the next decade (and beyond 250 long term), leveraging IHG’s distribution system, loyalty program (IHG One Rewards), and operational support.
Learn more here.