Olive Garden was originally developed by General Mills, Inc., but in June 1995, General Mills spun off its restaurant division into Darden Restaurants, Inc. Almost 25 years later, Olive Garden remains committed to its purpose of Hospitaliano! - providing 100% guest delight through the genuine Italian dining experience. Italy is the inspiration for all that we do at Olive Garden, from our menus to our award-winning wine list to the Tuscan farmhouse design of many of our restaurants. Most of all, we are inspired by the warmth and genuine hospitality of the Italian people, as well as the importance of family in their culture. Our passion for Italy led us to establish Olive Garden's Culinary Institute of Tuscany in 1999, our own cooking school in Italy. Hundreds of Olive Garden team members have traveled to Tuscany to learn how authentic Italian food is prepared and to experience Italy firsthand.