“Your Olive Garden is broke!”
Oops, they did it again. Olive Garden faces backlash once more after a customer claimed they used hot dog buns in place of their signature breadsticks.
But are the breadsticks really different? That’s for you to decide. Let’s dive into the latest controversy surrounding Olive Garden.
What happened to Olive Garden’s iconic breadsticks?
Olive Garden has long been a favorite for its approachable, Americanized takes on Italian cuisine, budget-friendly pricing, and, perhaps most famously, the endless soup, salad, and breadsticks deal. These breadsticks have become a symbol of comfort food indulgence—a warm, garlicky staple that has drawn diners back time and time again.
However, recent claims from a customer have put these beloved breadsticks under the microscope. Allegations suggest that what was served didn’t live up to the chain’s legendary standard, with some even questioning if they’ve been replaced by something as unexpected as hot dog buns. The claim has left fans wondering: Have the breadsticks changed, or is this just a one-off mishap?
What’s your verdict? Are the breadsticks the same as ever, or has something truly shifted in the land of endless refills?
But one part of Olive Garden’s beloved “salty trinity” is now under scrutiny, as another customer accuses the chain of swapping out its iconic breadsticks for a far less appealing substitute—hot dog buns.
In a viral TikTok video that has amassed over 1.5 million views, user Rachel (@rachelresells) noticed something unusual about the breadsticks served at her table.
“Are Olive Garden breadsticks just warmed-up hot dog buns???” she asked in the text overlay, sparking curiosity and debate among viewers.
The video shows a half-eaten breadstick resting in the basket, suggesting that Rachel—or her dining companion—at least gave it a taste before making the hot dog bun comparison. The bold claim has left many wondering whether this was an unfortunate one-off or a sign of something more widespread.
Commenters React:
The comments section was quick to weigh in, and the consensus appears to be unanimous.
“Idk where you are, but my Olive Garden breadsticks do NOT look like that,” one top comment with over 27,000 likes declared, reflecting the disbelief shared by many.
“Your Olive Garden is BROKEEEE,” one person commented.
“Maybe they ran out and improvised with some hot dog buns?” another suggested.
“If they’re good, I don’t give a damn,” someone else chimed in.
Is a breadstick the same as a hot dog bun?
The answer is clear: a hot dog bun and a breadstick are not created equal. As food writer Dennis Lee eloquently put it in his newsletter—while chronicling his own mission to sneak a hot dog into Olive Garden—these two carb staples serve entirely different purposes.
“The thing about a regular hot dog bun is that it’s soft, spongy, and easy to eat, whereas an Olive Garden breadstick is naturally chewy—which makes for an odd texture pairing with a hot dog. On the flip side, the garlicky, buttery flavor of the breadstick does add a fun twist,” wrote food writer Dennis Lee.
A Long-Standing Debate:
This isn’t the first time Olive Garden breadsticks have drawn comparisons to hot dog buns.
In fact, this curious trend resurfaces every few years, with people cutting breadsticks in half and using them as makeshift hot dog buns. While it might sound ridiculous at first, the breadstick’s long, slender shape actually makes it a surprisingly practical substitute.
Some even claim to prefer the breadstick’s rich, buttery flavor over the milder taste and texture of a store-bought hot dog bun.
Olive Garden Scaling Back on Breadsticks?
The debate over Olive Garden breadsticks isn’t new—in fact, it goes all the way back to 2014. That year, investors pushed the restaurant chain to reduce the number of breadsticks served per table, according to The Daily Meal.
The issue was serious enough that investors sent Olive Garden executives a nearly 300-page presentation outlining their case. They argued that serving fewer breadsticks would boost profitability, reduce food waste, and even improve the overall customer experience. Interestingly, despite its impressive length, the word “breadstick” appears only 47 times in the document.
Some even claim to prefer the breadstick’s rich, buttery flavor over the milder taste and texture of a store-bought hot dog bun.
Olive Garden Scaling Back on Breadsticks?
The debate over Olive Garden breadsticks isn’t new—in fact, it goes all the way back to 2014. That year, investors pushed the restaurant chain to reduce the number of breadsticks served per table, according to The Daily Meal.
The issue was serious enough that investors sent Olive Garden executives a nearly 300-page presentation outlining their case. They argued that serving fewer breadsticks would boost profitability, reduce food waste, and even improve the overall customer experience. Interestingly, despite its impressive length, the word “breadstick” appears only 47 times in the document.
