On Thanksgiving, most Americans eat turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. You don't know. You rebel. You want unlimited soup and breadsticks at Olive Garden. Unfortunately for you, it doesn't happen. All Olive Garden restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving Day so employees can spend the day with loved ones.
Not only that, but some olive groves will also be closed before Thanksgiving. The exact closing time depends on the manager of each business. If you want to make Fettuccine Alfredo, you have to come on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving or wait until Black Friday.
Or visit any other day of the year. Olive Garden's corporate overlords close it just two days a year—Thanksgiving and Christmas—so you can eat there 363 days. However, you can still move forward and ensure that a pasta shortage does not force your restaurant to close unexpectedly.
Read more: All the benefits of a Costco membership
All is not lost if you really want to start an olive garden for Thanksgiving. In addition to pre-ordering and reheating, you can make your own version of the Italian-American restaurant chain's dishes at home, starting with salads. Fans say Aldi's Tuscan Garden Italian Dressing tastes just like Olive Garden. Add lettuce and pepperoncini and you get half the benefit.
As delicious as salads are, you might want something more filling. Olive Garden's famous Chicken Parma recipe can be made at home. If you're a white sauce fan, try mixing together milk, cream, butter, flour, garlic and Parmesan. Yes, Olive Garden's Alfredo sauce is pretty simple. Just add some al dente pasta and you're good to go.
A word of caution before you cook: Olive Garden isn't the only restaurant closing for the holidays. Grocery stores like Costco and Trader Joe's are also closed on Thanksgiving, so be sure to get your ingredients before Turkey Day.
Read the main article on daily nutrition.
