# Darden Restaurants

Darden Restaurants is an other based in Orlando, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** other
- **Headquarters:** Orlando, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** Orlando, FL, United States
- **Founded:** 1969
- **Assets under management:** Undisclosed
- **Website:** www.darden.com
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/darden

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

Darden Restaurants is the premier full-service dining company, operating over 1,800 locations. Learn about our company, buy gift cards, search careers and more.

## Sectors

- Real Estate
- Private Credit
- Infrastructure

## People

- Gene Lee — Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
- Rick Cardenas — President and Chief Operating Officer

## Questions

### Who runs investment decisions at Darden Restaurants?

Gene serves as Chairman and CEO, with Rick Cardenas as President and COO. The board and executive committee jointly approve major capital decisions.

### How does Darden Restaurants allocate capital?

Primarily through a capital-returns framework: dividend payments, share repurchases, and investment in new-unit development and remodels. The firm targets a 40-50% payout ratio on free cash flow.

### What investment sectors does Darden Restaurants focus on?

Its investable universe is exclusively restaurant real estate and operating businesses within the casual-dining sector. It avoids sectors outside foodservice, such as tech or energy.

### What is Darden Restaurants' posture on acquisitions and divestitures?

Historically active; it acquired The Capital Grille and Yard House in 2014, and divested Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen in 2020. It evaluates chain candidates for cultural and financial fit.

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Last updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

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