Olive Garden is making a U-turn after years of resistance – and customers are beside themselves with excitement

Olive Garden is finally making a major change to its services and customers are thrilled.

Fans of the restaurant chain have long complained that their delicious pasta dishes cannot be delivered.

The popular fast-casual provider has so far resisted joining its competitors such as DoorDash and Deliveroo, arguing that it does not want a third party to come between the brand and its guests.

Now, however, the company's bosses have made a U-turn and started a two-year partnership with Uber.

Consumers who want to enjoy their favorite Olive Garden dishes at home can now order through the restaurant's app.

“Great news for foodies everywhere!” wrote one fan on X.

“Now I can satisfy my grissini cravings at home,” commented another.

Orders are delivered by Uber Eats drivers, but cannot be ordered through the Uber Eats app itself.

The two-year partnership is scheduled to begin with a trial run later this year, Restaurant Business reported.

It is expected to be rolled out to all 900 Olive Garden locations in the US by May 2025.

“Guests have been asking us about home delivery options and they continue to show they are willing to pay for the convenience,” Rick Cardenas, CEO of Olive Garden's parent company Darden, said Thursday.

This comes after the popular Italian chain reported a 3 percent decline in the period ending August 25, the publication reported.

“On-demand delivery is increasingly becoming a core expectation for consumers,” said Sarfraz Maredia, vice president of deliveries and head of the Americas at Uber Eats.

“People also expect a great experience, especially when it comes from a brand they love like Olive Garden, and that doesn't change whether they're in a restaurant or at home.”

Delivery service will expand to other Darden businesses, including LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House and Ruth's Chris Steak House.

Olive Garden angered its customers by raising prices earlier this summer despite sluggish sales.

In June, executives announced that prices would rise by 2.5 to 3 percent not just at Olive Garden but across Darden's vast restaurant portfolio.

CEO Rick Cardenas also said that, unlike its competitors, his company will no longer make offers to attract inflation-stricken customers.

He was referring to full-service competitors such as Chilli's, which has an appetizer, main course and drink for $11, and Applebee's, which offers two servings for $20.

Fast food chains have also rolled out offers. McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's are offering a $5 meal deal that includes a burger, nuggets, fries and a drink.

Orders are fulfilled by Uber Eats drivers but can only be placed through the Olive Garden app.

Customers across social media said Olive Garden was going in exactly the wrong direction and should “gauge the mood in the room,” especially since years of extremely high inflation have limited people's purchasing power, such as when eating out.

“When you’re losing foot traffic and customers and you see consumers struggling, it might not be the best time to brag about raising prices,” one customer commented on TikTok.

“The board needs to look for a new leadership team and a CEO and CFO who are not so insensitive.”

Another wrote that the restaurant might as well close.