Olive Garden Ends 30-Year Agency Relationship With Grey, Hires Mcgarrybowen

Since 1986, chain grew from 4 locations to 800+

Inspiration meets innovation at Brandweek, the ultimate marketing experience. Join industry luminaries, rising talent and strategic experts in Phoenix, Arizona this September 23–26 to assess challenges, develop solutions and create new pathways for growth. Register early to save.

With just four locations, Olive Garden barely even qualified as a chain of restaurants when it began working with Grey in 1986. Now, after growing to more than 800 locations, the brand is bringing that relationship to an end.

Mcgarrybowen proved the victor in the chain's three-month review, marking the end of an era for incumbent Grey, which has been connected to the brand since just a few years after the restaurant's founding.

"Though we met with immensely talented agencies, mcgarrybowen's proven track record of creatively bringing brands to life across multiple channels within the retail and hospitality industries makes them the ideal partner," said Jose Duenas, evp of marketing at Olive Garden, in a statement.

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Spring Special

Save 30% Off an ADWEEK Subscription Today!

View Your Options

Already a member? Sign in