American casual-dining chain, unit of Darden Restaurants
A long view on how all-you-can-eat buffets rose with mid-20th-century farming advances and spread nationwide, only to face decline as casual dining and COVID-19 altered consumer habits. The debate over origin stories continues among Vegas legends and historians.
Olive Garden has revived its Never-Ending Pasta Pass for 2026 after a six-year hiatus. Ten thousand passes will be sold at $100 each, granting 13 weeks of unlimited pasta in the Never-Ending Pasta Bowl. Early access is available to Pasta Pass holders and Olive Garden eClub members starting Aug. 24, with nationwide access on Aug. 31. The promotion runs through Nov. 22, with two new menu items this year.
Taylor Farms reports shipments of potentially contaminated lettuce across 27 states. FDA and CDC warn consumers; certain Taco Bell supply chains are affected. The outbreak has sickened more than 1,600 people in 2026, with hundreds hospitalized, as investigations expand.