Jayson Szott - Olive Garden

The Ask

We need you guys (meaning me and my partner) to lead the Olive Garden account and all that comes with it.

The Answer

Ok. That meant taking over all broadcast, online video, site work, digital ads and any other surprises that came along. Oh, and forge an airtight relationship with the client. And manage a number of teams that work on the account. And don’t let us down, this is an important account for the agency. Ok.

Since then, we delivered. And maybe even more. Anyone who’s run a retail account knows it’s a lot of work. A. Lot. So we’ve been busy. We’re always making something. Or five somethings. So, way too much to show here. But a few highlights below.

The Response

Helped Olive Garden achieve 24 straight quarters of growth (until COVID).

Exceeded sales forecasts during COVID.

Improved our Pile score from 3.65 to 4.59, prompting our reviewer to say he’s never seen scores this high this far into a relationship.

Maxed out agency bonus last year.

Consistently top the agency’s client satisfaction survey.

12 Days of Olive Garden

How do we make an everyday offering feel special? Tap into one of the most well-loved holiday songs of all time, of course.

ECD: Michael Straznickas (on all)

ECD: Dave Reger (on all)

CD: Matt Dimmer (on all)

CD: Jayson Szott (on all)

Art Director: Kayla Ducklo

Writer: Eric Guth

Director: Irv Blitz, MJZ

COVID-19

Thankfully we avoided the "we're all in these unprecedented times"/sourced footage spot. Instead, when things started to open up after the first lockdown, we got to focus on a bit of the optimism of what that meant.

Art Director: Matt Dimmer

Writer: Jayson Szott

Directors: Robert Smith and Jason Rohler

Pasta Pass and Pasta Passport

Online teaser video for the Neverending Pasta Pass promotion that included the chance to win a trip for two to Italy for only $200.

Art Director: Matt Dimmer

Writer: Jayson Szott

Director: Robert Smith

Giant Stuffed Pastas

Teaser cinema spot for the Giant Stuffed Pastas promotion.

Art Director: Danae Belanger

Writer: Madison Taylor Jackson

Director: Robert Smith

Tastes of the Mediterranean

Virtual reality video that transports the viewer into the Mediterranean, the inspiration for Tastes of the Mediterranean. Best viewed with VR goggles, your phone or worst case, here.