Darden Restaurants, Inc. is a prominent full-service restaurant company that operates a diverse portfolio of well-known brands in the dining sector. As of May 2024, Darden owned and managed 2,031 restaurants across the United States and Canada, featuring popular chains such as Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. The company has effectively leveraged its acquisition strategy, recently acquiring brands such as Ruth's Hospitality Group and Chuy's Holdings, enhancing its positioning in the casual and fine dining segments.
The company manages its brands through four distinct segments: Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Fine Dining (which includes Ruth’s Chris and The Capital Grille), and Other Business (such as Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and Yard House). Darden emphasizes operational excellence, culinary innovation, and customer experience across its restaurants, supporting its growth strategy through focused investments in site selection and technology integration to enhance guest engagement and streamline operations.