By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-07-23 15:17:14 | Updated at 2026-07-27 12:09:28
3 days ago
Pasta lovers everywhere are in mourning.
One of Olive Garden's most coveted promotions finally made its comeback after a six-year hiatus - but with just 10,000 passes available nationwide, many diners are convinced they already missed out.
The chain's legendary Never-Ending Pasta Pass, which offers 13 weeks of unlimited pasta for $100, returned this week, sparking excitement - and plenty of frustration.
Only 10,000 passes went on sale nationwide on July 16, with fans scrambling to secure one. The website now claims that the passes 'went faster than breadsticks,' but hinted at another announcement coming soon.
'We wish we could give the Pasta Pass experience to everyone, but all the passes have been claimed,' Olive Garden said. 'Stay in touch by joining our eClub and keep your eyes peeled on our Instagram over the next few weeks - you never know what’s coming next.'
The promotion hasn't been offered since 2019, and its previous releases have sold out within minutes, leaving thousands of disappointed customers empty-handed. That prospect instantly sparked frustration, with many social media users predicting the passes would quickly disappear.
'Bots will buy them all before real people even have a chance,' one Reddit user said, with another adding, 'I've tried every year they offered them before. They're gone in seconds.'
A third commented: 'Good luck getting one. It'll be sold out before the page even loads.'
Olive Garden's legendary Never-Ending Pasta Pass, which offers 13 weeks of unlimited pasta for $100, returns this week
Others questioned whether the pass is worth the effort.
'I'd absolutely buy one... if I could actually get one,' one user wrote, while another added that the hardest part of unlimited pasta 'is getting the unlimited pasta pass.'
The long-awaited return comes after years of customers asking Olive Garden to revive the popular promotion.
The Never-Ending Pasta Pass first launched in 2014 and quickly became one of the restaurant industry's most talked-about limited offers, regularly selling out within minutes whenever it was released.
This year's pass allows holders to enjoy unlimited pasta from August 24 through November 22, giving early access before Olive Garden's annual Never-Ending Pasta Bowl promotion officially begins on August 31.
Customers can mix and match from 120 different combinations of pasta, homemade sauces and protein toppings.
This year's menu also introduces two new additions: Spicy Alfredo sauce and Crispy Shrimp Fritta as a protein option.
For those unable to secure one of the coveted passes, Olive Garden's annual Never-Ending Pasta Bowl promotion will still be available nationwide.
Only 10,000 passes will go on sale nationwide at 2pm ET on July 16, with fans expected to scramble online in a bid to secure one
Starting at $14.99, diners can enjoy unlimited refills of pasta, soup or salad, and the chain's signature breadsticks from August 31 through November 22.
According to Olive Garden, the decision to revive the pass came after years of customer demand.
'Even years later, guests still ask us about Never-Ending Pasta Pass, which speaks to the lasting enthusiasm and connection our fans have for it,' said Jaime Bunker, Olive Garden's senior vice president of marketing.
'Bringing it back felt like the right way to recognize the loyalty of so many guests who have kept it top of mind all these years, while celebrating what they love most about Olive Garden – abundance and incredible value – all wrapped into one experience.'
