Darden Restaurants Posts 5.9% Sales Growth to $3.3B
Darden Restaurants reported third fiscal quarter sales of $3.3 billion, up 5.9%, with consolidated same-store sales rising 4.2% across its 11 brands while industry comps fell 1.2%. Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse led growth with 3.2% and 7.2% same-store gains, and net restaurant openings of 17 and 22 units.
1. Fiscal Q3 Performance
Darden Restaurants delivered fiscal Q3 sales of $3.3 billion, marking a 5.9% increase year-over-year. Consolidated same-store sales rose 4.2% across all 11 brands, outperforming an industry same-store sales decline of 1.2% and a 3% drop in guest counts.
2. Olive Garden Expansion and Initiatives
Olive Garden achieved 3.2% same-store sales growth driven by operational execution and record guest satisfaction scores. The chain completed its Lighter Portion menu rollout in January, added seven dishes under $15 and opened 17 net new restaurants, reaching 944 locations.
3. LongHorn Steakhouse Leadership
LongHorn Steakhouse led the portfolio with 7.2% same-store sales growth, underpinned by a renewed culinary standards program and strong brand culture. High employee retention earned a Glassdoor top workplace award, and the chain expanded its footprint by 22 net new locations to 608.
4. Fine Dining Brands Rebound
Darden’s fine-dining segment—including The Capital Grille, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Eddie V’s—registered 2.1% same-store sales growth. The Capital Grille and Eddie V’s saw strength in private-dining sales, while Ruth’s Chris growth was fueled by its three-course prix-fixe menu returning lapsed guests.