Olive Garden

Financing

Olive Garden parent Darden is not done acquiring restaurants

The full-service restaurant operator is coming off the acquisitions of Ruth’s Chris and Chuy’s and is eyeing more M&A to increase its market share and scale, executives said at the ICR conference.

Financing

Delivery is working for Olive Garden, but don't expect it on any third-party apps soon

Parent company Darden Restaurants said Thursday that the company’s use of first-party delivery is bringing in new, higher-income customers. But it has concerns about using third-party services.

The two casual-dining chains’ same-store sales rose last quarter, prompting parent Darden Restaurants to raise its guidance for the full year. The company’s stock rose in early-morning trading.

The Italian casual-dining chain continues to see success from value and delivery. Same-store sales rose nearly 6% over the summer.

Same-store sales rose 6.9% at the Italian casual-dining chain as its investments in affordability and Uber delivery paid off.

After a chilly start to the year, the Italian casual-dining chain said business has picked up recently, despite signs that consumer sentiment is down.

A record number of customers paid extra to upgrade the bottomless dish, a sign that consumers are “feeling a little bit better,” executives for the casual-dining chain said.

Tech Check: The casual-dining chain’s deal with Uber is full of unusual wrinkles that are designed to reap the benefits of the service without hurting the brand.

The casual-dining chain is making a flurry of efforts to get more customers in the door, including adding delivery and reviving old menu items.

The casual-dining chain, a longtime delivery holdout, is partnering with Uber Eats on a direct integration. Other Darden Restaurants concepts will follow.

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