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Capital Grille

Financing

Olive Garden backs off promotions, citing better industry conditions

The Italian chain posted a same-store sales increase of 3.5% for Q2, but Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen continued to underperform for the chains’ parent, Darden Restaurants.

Workforce

After a 5.3% rise in Olive Garden comps, Darden Restaurants plans to escalate the talent war

The casual-dining superpower says it will focus as much on recruiting and keeping employees as it will on drawing customers.

Leadership

Darden changes leadership of Cheddar’s, Seasons 52

By Peter Romeo on Jul. 16, 2018

Dave George is overseeing Cheddar's, and John Martin will be responsible for Seasons 52.

Top 500 Chains

The Capital Grille

Jun. 19, 2018
Leadership

Darden CEO Gene Lee named IFMA foodservice operator of the year

By Peter Romeo on May. 19, 2018

The longtime casual-dining veteran was chosen for the Gold Plate Award from among eight leaders named as the best within their respective market segments.

Food

As snacking rises, here's how to lure snackers' attention through the menu

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 24, 2018

Operators are turning to both obvious and catchy names for new menu sections that tap into the snacking trend.

Emerging Brands

Darden decides to drop a brand

By Peter Romeo on Mar. 20, 2018

Remaining restaurants will be converted into Eddie V's restaurants.

Emerging Brands

Olive Garden's parent tries a burger concept

By Peter Romeo on Mar. 05, 2018

The spinoff of The Capital Grille is expected to open in Washington, D.C., this month.

Consumer Trends

Customers’ most-craved beef

By Lizzy Freier on Nov. 20, 2017

See which 10 chains are winning with beef that consumers say they can’t get anywhere else.

Financing

4 takeaways from restaurants’ Q3 earnings season

By Peter Romeo on Nov. 14, 2017

A look at the reports for public companies reveals some definite directional arrows for the industry as a whole.