ORLANDO – Darden Restaurant Inc.'s Olive Garden began serving a 6-oz. hamburger to better compete with fast casual competitors such as Chili's and Applebee's, according to news reports.

The Italiano Burger will sell for $9.99 and comes topped with mozzarella, prosciutto, arugula, pesto tomatoes and garlic aioli spread. The new burger will be served with parmesan fries and a choice of unlimited soup or salad and bread sticks.


Darden Restaurants owns and operates more than 2,100 restaurants that generate over $8.5 billion in annual sales. The Orlando, Fla.-based company employs more than 200,000 people. Its restaurant brands include Red Lobster, LongHorn Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52, The Capital Grille, Eddie V's and Yard House.