LongHorn Steakhouse

Value and comfort trump innovation in recent LTO launches

The pandemic has slowed R&D, but chains are luring consumers with meal deals.

LongHorn Steakhouse

Surge in Olive Garden’s to-go volume holds unit sales slide to 44.8%

By Peter Romeo on Apr. 20, 2020

The Darden Restaurants chain is now generating takeout and delivery sales at an annualized rate of $2.8 million per store.

Food

10 LTO standouts in the new year

By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 10, 2020

Diners crave both healthier fare and comfort foods in winter.

Workforce

LongHorn's labor approach yields 6.7% comp rise, Darden says

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 19, 2019

The casual steak chain outperformed all of its sister operations, largely because of how it handled personnel, its parent company said. Olive Garden's comps rose 1.5%.

Marketing

10 limited-time offers with high consumer appeal

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 12, 2019

These LTOs got top scores for purchase intent in Technomic’s latest survey.

Marketing

10 unique LTOs hitting menus

By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 11, 2019

These limited-time offers are differentiating the menu at restaurant chains.

Financing

Darden tries a new remedy for Cheddar’s

By Peter Romeo on Sep. 19, 2019

After data revealed an unexpected marketing issue for the chain, management pulled back on advertising and started working on an adjusted plan.

Operations

Olive Garden tries new off-premise moves

By Peter Romeo on Jun. 20, 2019

The Darden Restaurants holding is still a no-go on small-order delivery, but its catering program is moving within reach of couples.

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