What’s going on with Olive Garden’s new uniforms? Some employees aren’t thrilled
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If you’ve been to Olive Garden recently and thought your server looked a little different, you’re not imagining it.
A quiet change in wardrobe is making a loud impression—not just with diners, but with the folks who wear the uniform every day.
While the Italian-American chain is still serving up endless breadsticks and comfort food favorites, a new dress code is causing quite a stir behind the scenes.
And for some staff, it’s more than a simple inconvenience.
It’s turning into a real workplace headache.
From black to white—and straight into the sauce
For years, Olive Garden servers wore practical black button-down shirts.
But in a recent shift, the company rolled out new uniforms in select locations: white button-ups, paired with olive green aprons and dark jeans.
Fresh and crisp? Maybe.
But many employees say the new look is far from functional.
One worker wrote online, “I’ve bought over 15 white shirts and it has been getting messy.”
Others echoed the sentiment, joking about the shirts being “sauce magnets” and wondering if it’s grounds for a strike.
Even diners have noticed.
One customer shared, “Those shirts are sauce magnets,” summing up what many servers are likely thinking every time a plate of marinara goes out.
Also read: When dining out takes a wrong turn: The Olive Garden garnish fiasco that’s stirring up outrage
This isn’t Olive Garden’s first wardrobe switch
Longtime fans might remember that before 2013, servers wore white shirts with colorful ties.
The company later moved to the all-black look, calling it a bold shift in style and practicality.
Now, some locations are shifting back to white—though not everyone’s on board.
In fact, not every Olive Garden has adopted the change.
Some managers are reportedly choosing to stick with the black uniforms, noting that the white shirts are unpopular and difficult to maintain.
Also read: Need an easier meal plan? Head to Olive Garden NOW!
Why uniforms matter more than you think
For restaurant workers, uniforms aren’t just about appearance.
Dark colors help hide spills and stains, which are all too common in a fast-paced food environment.
White, on the other hand, highlights every splash of Alfredo, every drop of dressing, and every bit of espresso foam.
Replacing stained shirts regularly can also get expensive—especially when employees are expected to cover the cost themselves.
And it’s hard to stay focused on great service when you’re worried about your wardrobe.
Also read: Missed your favorite pasta dish? Olive Garden brings back beloved classics—but they won’t last long!
It’s not just Olive Garden
Uniform changes are a hot topic across the restaurant industry.
Recently, Starbucks updated its dress code, prompting backlash from workers who called it too strict.
That policy led to a walkout involving over 1,200 employees.
Unlike Starbucks, Olive Garden workers don’t have a union, making it harder to push back.
One employee commented, “If people start ‘protesting,’ they start firing or replacing,” highlighting the risk of speaking out.
Also read: Check your appetizers–Olive Garden's breadsticks caught in an unexpected twist that has diners appalled!
What’s driving the change?
It might come down to branding.
Olive Garden’s parent company, Darden Restaurants, has seen strong sales recently.
Olive Garden brought in $5.2 billion last year, though Texas Roadhouse just barely took the lead as the top-earning mid-tier restaurant chain in the country.
A uniform refresh might be part of an effort to appeal to new customers or give the brand a more modern feel.
But as this situation shows, changes meant to please diners can sometimes frustrate the team members who make the whole experience possible.
Source: TikTok / @dad_l0ver
There’s been no official word from Olive Garden on whether the new uniform policy will stay.
Some restaurants are sticking with the new look, while others seem to be quietly ignoring the change.
Whether corporate leaders will listen to the feedback—or press ahead—remains to be seen.
Read next: The surprising chain that's blowing Olive Garden and Texas Roadhouse out of the water with its incredible comeback!
Have you noticed the new uniforms? Do you think companies should put more thought into employee comfort and practicality? And if you’ve ever worked in food service, what’s your go-to trick for keeping a white shirt clean? We’d love to hear your thoughts. After all, at The GrayVine, we believe that great dining isn’t just about the food—it’s about the people who bring it to your table!
A quiet change in wardrobe is making a loud impression—not just with diners, but with the folks who wear the uniform every day.
While the Italian-American chain is still serving up endless breadsticks and comfort food favorites, a new dress code is causing quite a stir behind the scenes.
And for some staff, it’s more than a simple inconvenience.
It’s turning into a real workplace headache.
The previous all-black uniform was favored by many staff for its practicality during busy shifts. Image Source: Olive Garden Hawaii.
From black to white—and straight into the sauce
For years, Olive Garden servers wore practical black button-down shirts.
But in a recent shift, the company rolled out new uniforms in select locations: white button-ups, paired with olive green aprons and dark jeans.
Fresh and crisp? Maybe.
But many employees say the new look is far from functional.
One worker wrote online, “I’ve bought over 15 white shirts and it has been getting messy.”
Others echoed the sentiment, joking about the shirts being “sauce magnets” and wondering if it’s grounds for a strike.
Even diners have noticed.
One customer shared, “Those shirts are sauce magnets,” summing up what many servers are likely thinking every time a plate of marinara goes out.
Also read: When dining out takes a wrong turn: The Olive Garden garnish fiasco that’s stirring up outrage
This isn’t Olive Garden’s first wardrobe switch
Longtime fans might remember that before 2013, servers wore white shirts with colorful ties.
The company later moved to the all-black look, calling it a bold shift in style and practicality.
Now, some locations are shifting back to white—though not everyone’s on board.
In fact, not every Olive Garden has adopted the change.
Some managers are reportedly choosing to stick with the black uniforms, noting that the white shirts are unpopular and difficult to maintain.
Also read: Need an easier meal plan? Head to Olive Garden NOW!
Why uniforms matter more than you think
For restaurant workers, uniforms aren’t just about appearance.
Dark colors help hide spills and stains, which are all too common in a fast-paced food environment.
White, on the other hand, highlights every splash of Alfredo, every drop of dressing, and every bit of espresso foam.
Replacing stained shirts regularly can also get expensive—especially when employees are expected to cover the cost themselves.
And it’s hard to stay focused on great service when you’re worried about your wardrobe.
Olive Garden’s new white shirt and green apron combo has sparked mixed reactions from staff and customers alike. Image Source: Reddit / wickedscooby.
Also read: Missed your favorite pasta dish? Olive Garden brings back beloved classics—but they won’t last long!
It’s not just Olive Garden
Uniform changes are a hot topic across the restaurant industry.
Recently, Starbucks updated its dress code, prompting backlash from workers who called it too strict.
That policy led to a walkout involving over 1,200 employees.
Unlike Starbucks, Olive Garden workers don’t have a union, making it harder to push back.
One employee commented, “If people start ‘protesting,’ they start firing or replacing,” highlighting the risk of speaking out.
Also read: Check your appetizers–Olive Garden's breadsticks caught in an unexpected twist that has diners appalled!
What’s driving the change?
It might come down to branding.
Olive Garden’s parent company, Darden Restaurants, has seen strong sales recently.
Olive Garden brought in $5.2 billion last year, though Texas Roadhouse just barely took the lead as the top-earning mid-tier restaurant chain in the country.
A uniform refresh might be part of an effort to appeal to new customers or give the brand a more modern feel.
But as this situation shows, changes meant to please diners can sometimes frustrate the team members who make the whole experience possible.
Source: TikTok / @dad_l0ver
There’s been no official word from Olive Garden on whether the new uniform policy will stay.
Some restaurants are sticking with the new look, while others seem to be quietly ignoring the change.
Whether corporate leaders will listen to the feedback—or press ahead—remains to be seen.
Read next: The surprising chain that's blowing Olive Garden and Texas Roadhouse out of the water with its incredible comeback!
Have you noticed the new uniforms? Do you think companies should put more thought into employee comfort and practicality? And if you’ve ever worked in food service, what’s your go-to trick for keeping a white shirt clean? We’d love to hear your thoughts. After all, at The GrayVine, we believe that great dining isn’t just about the food—it’s about the people who bring it to your table!
