Maggiano's started in Chicago with Rich Melman and Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. (LEYE) He does things with a twist, whimsy, sense of humor often. Semi-retired now, his adoptive next gen kids are in development, He sold that Maggiano's out to Brinker, I think, years ago. He has done Corner Bakery, he was behind TRU, with Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand, and I haven't checked but I think Everest could still be open. His portfolio covers a full spectrum of unique and chain like restaurants or evokes the look and feel of retro Wisconsin supper clubs or retro steakhouses. He developed restaurants with partners for a unique perspective, like one with Oprah where they had the most decadent mashed potatoes, definitely not on the Weight Watcher healthy alternative spectrum.
I have not dined in one in years, but I would think Maggiano's is still better than Olive Garden any day. More than pushing filling up on breadsticks, he always had a knack for straightforward food, good portions, and great side choices to build a check and customize the dining experience if it wasn't a fine dining restaurant. So I think Brinker liked that formula to roll it out to other markets.