Founded by Bill Darden in 1968, Darden Restaurants traces its origins to the opening of its first dining establishment in Orlando, Florida. Originally part of General Mills’s restaurant group, the company launched as an independent, publicly traded enterprise in 1995 under the Darden Restaurants banner. Over the decades, Darden has grown into one of North America’s largest full-service restaurant operators, leveraging a portfolio of recognized brands and a multi‐channel guest engagement model.
Darden’s restaurant portfolio spans a variety of dining concepts, including casual Italian at Olive Garden, premium steak experiences at LongHorn Steakhouse and The Capital Grille, seafood dining at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood and Bahama Breeze, and contemporary American fare at Seasons 52, Yard House and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. Each concept emphasizes fresh ingredients, signature recipes and a hospitable atmosphere designed to appeal to a broad consumer base.
The company supports its brands through a combination of company‐owned restaurants and franchising partnerships, operating more than 1,800 locations across the United States and Canada. Darden has also invested in omnichannel capabilities, offering dine‐in, takeout, delivery and catering services, supported by digital ordering platforms and loyalty programs aimed at enhancing customer convenience and engagement.
Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Darden Restaurants is led by Chief Executive Officer Rick Cardenas, who succeeded Gene Lee. The organization’s leadership team continues to focus on operational excellence, menu innovation and disciplined growth in existing and new markets.