Would you say that this was an exploratory study? If not, what are the research questions?

I agree that it is an exploratory study because Figures $1$ to $6$ showed quantitative data collected to analyze customer service levels in the restaurants. Customers who resided in different restaurants were asked about their service experience. There was an experimental survey and secondary data analysis to get the results we saw in the study.

Is this research causal or descriptive? Why?

The research was cause$-$effective. The researchers wanted to know that diners are likely to want to go back based on dining experience they received at the given place"Causal Studies were research studies to investigate whether the value of one variable leads to or determines the value of another variable.

Explain how the Olive Garden might use this information; McDonald$$s$.$

Restaurants need an excellent customer and restaurant experience consistently. Olive Garden is an extremely busy family restaurant. The management must definitely take this research into consideration, by ensuring that their servants are polite, informed and mainly consistent with their services, to find ways to improve their customer experience.

The fast food chain McDonald's should also focus on the above factors, but especially on quick order processing, replenishment and such. These principles are applicable to all restaurants in the research case and their aim is to gain and retain their loyal client base.

What might be included in an RFP to do further research?

Typically RFP has some background data with reasons why a study is to be conducted, provides research objectives and description of how things are going to be done. $$Most RFPs also ask for $(1)$ detailed cost breakdown, $(2)$ the supplier$$s experience in relevant areas, and $(3)$ references.