The Truth Behind Olive Garden’s “Two 48-Hour Closures” Headline

The internet loves a dramatic headline, and Olive Garden’s latest viral moment proves it. In mid-October, social media lit up with claims that the Italian restaurant chain would “shut down all U.S. locations in two 48-hour phases.”

The phrasing sounded ominous, sparking speculation about financial trouble or mass layoffs. But in reality, the closures are nothing more than Olive Garden’s annual holiday tradition: giving employees time off for Thanksgiving and Christmas. In fact, the chain has announced an expansion plan of 65 stores in new locations, set to be completed by May of next year.

The Origins of the Shutdown Hoax

The confusion began when viral headlines distorted Olive Garden’s holiday policy announcement. The phrase “two 48-hour shutdowns” was plucked from context, turning two single-day holiday closures into a supposed nationwide crisis. Fact-checking sites and industry blogs quickly corrected the record, confirming that the chain will close only on Thanksgiving and Christmas, just as it does every year.

What Olive Garden Actually Announced

According to an October statement shared by AOL and PennLive, Olive Garden will close all 900 U.S. locations on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, and Christmas Day, December 25, 2025. The move isn’t new; it’s part of the company’s long-standing commitment to employee well-being.

“Our teams work hard all year,” an Olive Garden spokesperson said, “and we believe everyone deserves to spend the holidays with family.” Restaurants will reopen the next morning as usual, with no interruptions to normal business.

Early Closures and Holiday Adjustments

Some locations may also close early on the evenings before each holiday. Management teams are encouraged to adjust schedules based on local traffic, meaning hours on Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve can vary slightly from restaurant to restaurant. The company’s official website advises guests to check local listings or call ahead to confirm hours.

Setting the Record Straight

Despite the wave of misinformation, Olive Garden’s official holiday hours page clearly shows the same pattern it’s followed for years: open nearly every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. In contrast to the viral claims, there’s no “two-phase shutdown,” no restructuring, and no corporate crisis — just a family-oriented company honoring the holidays.

Why the Rumor Spread So Quickly

Experts say the misleading headline’s wording was the perfect recipe for virality. “Two 48-hour shutdowns” sounded like an internal emergency when it simply referred to two 24-hour holiday breaks. The exaggeration blended easily with social media outrage, where sensational phrasing often outpaces context. The story quickly took off across Facebook and TikTok before reputable outlets stepped in to clarify.

A Broader Industry Trend

Olive Garden’s decision aligns with a growing movement among major retailers and restaurant chains to close on major holidays. Brands like Walmart, Target, and Costco have all adopted similar policies, emphasizing work-life balance and employee appreciation. As labor shortages and burnout continue to challenge the restaurant industry, these closures reflect a cultural shift toward valuing people as much as profits.

Darden Restaurants’ Strong Outlook

Far from struggling, Olive Garden’s parent company, Darden Restaurants, is thriving. With other brands such as LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, and The Capital Grille under its belt, Darden reported steady sales growth and solid stock performance throughout 2025. Analysts note that the viral “shutdown” rumor had zero impact on market confidence, underscoring that the company’s finances and reputation remain healthy.

What Guests Should Know This Holiday Season

For customers, the message is simple: plan around the holidays. Olive Garden will close all U.S. locations on Thanksgiving and Christmas, while Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve will feature shortened hours, typically ending by 8 or 9 p.m. All restaurants will resume normal service the following day, including extended hours on Black Friday to accommodate increased traffic.

A Family Tradition, Not a Shutdown

The viral “two 48-hour closures” headline may have sounded alarming, but the truth is refreshingly simple. Olive Garden isn’t shutting down — it’s showing appreciation for its employees by giving them time to celebrate with loved ones.

In an age of clickbait and constant noise, that kind of gesture stands out. So while the internet may have imagined a crisis, the reality is something far more heartwarming: a reminder that sometimes, even America’s biggest restaurant chains know when it’s time to take a break.