If the initial pilot is successful, the delivery option will expand nationwide by May 2025, Darden said.
Darden shares jumped 7% in morning trading Thursday.
The move is a reversal for Orlando, Florida-based Darden, which has long delivered large catering orders itself but has resisted third-party delivery for individual orders in the past. In 2018, Darden's then-President and CEO Gene Lee said the company was testing third-party delivery but was skeptical.
“There continue to be significant hurdles that we need to work through, such as how do we ensure that these delivery services will enhance our brands? Can it be flawlessly executed for our guests and our team members?” Lee said during a 2018 conference call with investors.
Lee, who retired as Darden’s chairman last year, said he was also concerned about sharing the company’s data with third parties. On Thursday, Darden said it would retain “guest data and insights” as part of the partnership.
“Guests have been asking us for home delivery options and they continue to show they are willing to pay for the convenience,” Rick Cardenas, Darden’s current president and CEO, said in a statement.
In a conference call Thursday with investors, Cardenas said it was important to find a way to offer delivery without disrupting staff or restaurant patrons. Delivery orders will be treated like take-out orders are now and brought out to drivers waiting curbside. And Cardenas said Olive Garden has technology in place to help employees manage order volumes.
Darden isn't the only chain that has given in to third-party delivery. Domino's Pizza also resisted working with third parties until last year, when it signed a deal with Uber Eats.