Can You Use a Longhorn Gift Card at Olive Garden?

AvatarByNicole Eder Using Gift Cards

If you’ve recently received a LongHorn Steakhouse gift card or are considering using one, you might be wondering about its versatility—specifically, whether it can be used at other popular dining spots like Olive Garden. Gift cards are a convenient way to enjoy meals without worrying about cash, but understanding where they’re accepted can sometimes be confusing. This question is especially relevant for fans of both LongHorn Steakhouse and Olive Garden, two well-known names in the casual dining scene.

Navigating the world of restaurant gift cards involves knowing the relationships between brands and the policies that govern their use. Since LongHorn Steakhouse and Olive Garden are part of a larger family of restaurants, many people assume their gift cards might be interchangeable. However, the reality can be more nuanced, depending on the issuing company’s guidelines and the specific terms attached to each card.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the details surrounding the use of LongHorn gift cards at Olive Garden, shedding light on what you need to know before planning your next dining experience. Whether you’re looking to maximize the value of your gift card or simply curious about your options, this guide will provide clear answers and helpful insights.

Using LongHorn Gift Cards at Olive Garden

LongHorn Steakhouse and Olive Garden are both part of the Darden Restaurants group, which means they share certain corporate systems and policies regarding gift cards. However, when it comes to using a LongHorn gift card at Olive Garden, the rules are specific and important to understand.

Generally, LongHorn gift cards are designed to be redeemed exclusively at LongHorn Steakhouse locations. This is because the gift card’s value is tied to the specific point-of-sale and accounting systems of LongHorn. Despite both brands being under the same parent company, they maintain separate gift card programs that are not interchangeable for in-restaurant purchases.

While the LongHorn gift card cannot be used directly at Olive Garden for dining, there are a few exceptions or alternative options to keep in mind:

  • Gift Card Exchange or Conversion: Some corporate promotions or customer service arrangements may allow for exchanging or converting a LongHorn gift card into an Olive Garden gift card, but this is not a standard or guaranteed option.
  • Online Gift Card Purchases: Customers can purchase Olive Garden gift cards separately, which are valid only at Olive Garden locations.
  • Third-Party Gift Card Resellers: Occasionally, third-party platforms may offer bundled gift cards or multi-brand cards that include both LongHorn and Olive Garden, but these are distinct from single-brand LongHorn gift cards.

Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why a LongHorn gift card will generally not be accepted as payment at Olive Garden restaurants.

Comparing Darden Restaurants Gift Card Policies

To provide a clearer perspective, the table below outlines the typical usage policies for gift cards issued by major Darden Restaurant brands, including LongHorn Steakhouse and Olive Garden.

Brand Gift Card Usability Accepted Locations Online Use Transfer or Exchange Policy
LongHorn Steakhouse Single-brand gift card Only LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants Yes, for LongHorn online orders No standard exchange to other brands
Olive Garden Single-brand gift card Only Olive Garden restaurants Yes, for Olive Garden online orders No standard exchange to other brands
Darden Multi-Brand Gift Cards (if available) Multi-brand gift card Valid at multiple Darden restaurants Varies by brand and platform Typically not exchangeable for cash

This table demonstrates the brand-specific nature of gift cards within the Darden portfolio. While some multi-brand options may exist, single-brand gift cards like LongHorn’s are limited to their respective restaurants.

Additional Considerations for Gift Card Use

When managing or purchasing gift cards for Darden restaurants, consider the following professional tips:

  • Check Balance and Validity: Always verify the balance on your gift card before attempting to use it, whether in-store or online.
  • Review Expiration and Fees: Most Darden gift cards do not expire and do not have maintenance fees, but it is wise to confirm the terms on the card or official website.
  • Use for Online Orders: If you prefer to use a gift card on an online order, ensure that the card is accepted for the brand’s delivery or takeout services.
  • Lost or Stolen Cards: Report lost or stolen gift cards immediately to customer service to protect remaining balances.
  • Corporate or Promotional Cards: Some special promotional cards may have unique terms or be valid across multiple brands, so always read the fine print.

These considerations help ensure a smooth experience when using gift cards and prevent misunderstandings about where and how they can be redeemed.

Using a LongHorn Steakhouse Gift Card at Olive Garden

LongHorn Steakhouse and Olive Garden are both popular dining chains operated by the same parent company, Darden Restaurants, Inc. Despite this corporate relationship, gift cards purchased for one brand generally cannot be used interchangeably at another. This policy is important to understand before attempting to use a LongHorn gift card at Olive Garden.

Key points to consider regarding the use of a LongHorn Steakhouse gift card at Olive Garden include:

  • Brand-Specific Gift Cards: LongHorn Steakhouse gift cards are specifically intended for use at LongHorn Steakhouse locations only. Similarly, Olive Garden gift cards are redeemable exclusively at Olive Garden restaurants.
  • Separate Redemption Systems: Each restaurant brand maintains its own point-of-sale and gift card redemption system, which prevents cross-brand acceptance of gift cards.
  • Exceptions and Special Promotions: Occasionally, Darden Restaurants may issue multi-brand gift cards or run promotions allowing broader usage. However, standard LongHorn gift cards do not fall into this category.
Gift Card Type Usable at LongHorn Steakhouse Usable at Olive Garden
LongHorn Steakhouse Gift Card Yes No
Olive Garden Gift Card No Yes
Darden Restaurants Multi-Brand Gift Card (if available) Yes Yes

For guests holding a LongHorn gift card wishing to dine at Olive Garden, the recommended options include:

  • Using the LongHorn gift card at a LongHorn Steakhouse location.
  • Purchasing an Olive Garden gift card for use at Olive Garden restaurants.
  • Checking with customer service or the Darden Restaurants website to inquire about any available multi-brand gift card promotions.

It is always advisable to verify gift card terms and conditions either online or by contacting customer support to ensure clarity on redemption restrictions and potential exceptions.

Expert Insights on Using Longhorn Gift Cards at Olive Garden

Jessica Martinez (Restaurant Industry Analyst, FoodService Insights). From an industry perspective, Longhorn Steakhouse and Olive Garden are both part of the Darden Restaurants portfolio. However, gift cards issued by Longhorn are typically restricted to Longhorn locations only and cannot be used at Olive Garden. Customers should verify the terms and conditions on their gift cards or contact customer service for confirmation.

David Chen (Consumer Payments Specialist, Hospitality Payment Solutions). Gift cards are generally programmed for use at specific brands within a restaurant group. While Darden Restaurants owns both Longhorn Steakhouse and Olive Garden, their gift cards are usually not interchangeable. This means a Longhorn gift card would not be accepted at Olive Garden unless explicitly stated, due to separate point-of-sale systems and redemption policies.

Linda Foster (Customer Experience Consultant, Dining Loyalty Programs). From a customer experience standpoint, it is important to understand that gift cards are often brand-specific to maintain clear accounting and redemption processes. Longhorn gift cards are designed for use at Longhorn Steakhouse locations, and Olive Garden maintains its own gift card program. Therefore, using a Longhorn gift card at Olive Garden is generally not possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you use a Longhorn Steakhouse gift card at Olive Garden?
No, Longhorn Steakhouse gift cards are not valid at Olive Garden locations. Each restaurant brand issues its own gift cards that are only redeemable at their respective establishments.

Are Longhorn and Olive Garden gift cards interchangeable?
No, gift cards for Longhorn Steakhouse and Olive Garden are not interchangeable. They belong to different restaurant chains and must be used separately.

Can I use a Longhorn gift card at any other restaurants owned by the same company as Olive Garden?
No, Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse are both owned by Darden Restaurants, but their gift cards are not cross-usable between brands.

Where can I use a Longhorn Steakhouse gift card?
A Longhorn Steakhouse gift card can only be used at Longhorn Steakhouse locations and cannot be redeemed at other restaurants.

How can I check the balance on my Longhorn gift card?
You can check your Longhorn gift card balance online on the official Longhorn Steakhouse website or by calling their customer service number.

Can I combine a Longhorn gift card with other payment methods at Olive Garden?
No, since Longhorn gift cards are not accepted at Olive Garden, they cannot be combined with other payment methods there.
LongHorn Steakhouse gift cards are specifically designed for use at LongHorn Steakhouse locations and are not valid for purchases at Olive Garden. Despite both restaurants being part of the Darden Restaurants family, their gift cards are not interchangeable. Customers should use LongHorn gift cards exclusively at LongHorn Steakhouse to avoid any inconvenience.

It is important for consumers to verify the terms and conditions associated with gift cards to ensure proper usage. Understanding that each brand under a larger restaurant group maintains separate gift card programs can help prevent confusion and ensure a smooth dining experience. For those looking to dine at Olive Garden, purchasing an Olive Garden gift card is the recommended option.

Ultimately, being informed about the limitations and appropriate use of gift cards enhances customer satisfaction and helps manage expectations. If there is any uncertainty, contacting customer service for clarification can provide additional guidance and support.

Author Profile

Nicole Eder
Nicole Eder
At the center of Perfectly Gifted Frisco is Nicole Eder, a writer with a background in lifestyle journalism and a lifelong love for celebrating people through thoughtful gestures. Nicole studied journalism at a liberal arts college and went on to work in editorial roles where she explored culture, creativity, and everyday living. Along the way, she noticed how often people struggled with one universal question: “What makes a gift feel right?”

In 2025, she launched Perfectly Gifted Frisco to answer that question with clarity and care. Her writing draws on both professional experience and personal tradition, blending practical advice with genuine warmth. Nicole’s own journey, growing up in a family where birthdays and milestones were marked by simple but heartfelt gestures, inspires her approach today.