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Olive Garden Breadstick
TikTok / Jill_InspiredByDesign / iStock

Sometimes we get a shock when we see the total on the bill when we go out to eat. Sometimes we’re surprised by the food that’s been served (good or bad). However, one customer experienced a shock of a different kind during an outing to Olive Garden — what looked to be a secret code printed on one of the chain’s signature breadsticks.

1. What Was on the Olive Garden Breadstick?

TikTok of half-eaten breadstick at Olive Garden with printing on it
TikTok/Cheapism

Weirdly, there were letters and a number — OK6. Perhaps a secret message? Or maybe just a serial number? Let the conspiracy theories begin!

2. What Happened?

Olive Garden Breadsticks
hg0bl1n/Reddit

An Olive Garden customer took to social media (complete with photo) to complain their breadstick had writing on it. “Guys why is there letters on my Olive Garden breadstick,” the customer wrote on TikTok

3. What Did Olive Garden Do?

Olive Garden restaurant exterior in Humble, TX
Brett_Hondow/istockphoto

Not surprisingly, the company responded. After all, the TikTok received more than 4 million views, which isn’t the best press a restaurant could ask for. “We are concerned about this. Can you please send an email to [email protected] with your full name, and the location you went to?” was posted on the video.

4. What Happened?

Olive Garden Breadsticks Storage
TrickyWon/Reddit

More than a few posts on the TikTok were from former employees who guessed that ink from the breadstick packaging had transferred, implying improper storage. But there is a mostly happy ending — the TikTok user said in a later post that the company gave her a $100 gift certificate. Which is great if she ever wants to eat there again, that is. 

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Meet the Writer

Liane Starr has contributed to outlets including the Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, People, Budget Living, and more. She still clips coupons. You can reach her at [email protected].