I wonder. When it comes to eating places, aka restaurants, do most folks care more about the food or the place’s logo?

I don’t wonder that much about it. They care more about the logo, right?! I guess it depends on whom one asks. Most consumers probably don’t give a damn about the logo. As long as the food and service is good and dependable and the price is fair, that’s all that matters to them.

Even though Olive Garden, part of Darden Restaurants, Inc., recently changed their logo as part of an overall revamp of their brand, I don’t see that a major reduction in available parking places is about to occur at the Olive Garden close to me. That place is always packed.

Disclaimer: I haven’t been to an Olive Garden in years, but when I did go, I enjoyed the food (at least what I got). My wife wasn’t terribly impressed.

As part of this rebranding effort, I understand that the menu and interior appearance of the place will get an overhaul. Hmmmmm.

Changing up the logo is one thing; changing up the menu could start a revolt. It could also be a good thing. Time will tell – along with the tastiness (and the portions) of the fare.

New Logo

Then there’s that new logo.  Granted, if they were after a completely different look and feel, they got it.  What was their thinking, though. There’s no consistency between the old and new one.  What happened to a refresh or an update, as opposed to, well, whatever this new one is supposed to be?

Old Logo

The leaves don’t even resemble an olive branch. What happened to the grapes? Olives? No where to be found (unless its subliminal).

Most likely the folks who are in an uproar about the new logo are coming from the marketing (design) perspective. That’s fine. Consumers and Olive Garden fans, however, may be (and should be) more interested in what’s to come menu-wise. The new logo to them may be much ado about nothing.

Meanwhile, I may stroll down the street for a hearty helping of minestrone and some bread sticks. Logos notwithstanding.