Darden Restaurants - Supplier Diversity

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Supplier Diversity

We care about having a base of vendors that mirrors the diversity of our guests. That's why we have a Supplier Diversity initiative and actively support both the National Minority Supplier Development Council and Women's Business Enterprise National Council. We're also a founding member or the MultiCultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance, through which we join with other foodservice and hospitality companies to foster diversity throughout the industry.

Darden Supplier Diversity Inquiries:
Phone: (407) 245-5930
E-mail: supplierdiversity@darden.com

Our Commitment

Darden Restaurants is dedicated to providing opportunities for diverse suppliers, allowing them to develop and grow. We believe that by supporting the growth of these businesses, we’re contributing to the economic vitality of the United States. To this end, we strive to give businesses of diverse ownership an equal opportunity to compete with all other suppliers.

Who Qualifies

To be considered as a diverse supplier, your business must be at least 51 percent owned, controlled, and managed by a person (or persons) of minority descent. Minorities include African Americans, Asian Indian Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans (this includes Eskimos, Aleuts, and Native Hawaiians). For women-owned businesses, your business must be at least 51 percent owned, controlled, and managed by a woman.

Darden requires that suppliers provide certification of their minority status, preferably through one of the 39 regional minority purchasing council affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council. For women-owned businesses, our preference is for certification by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council. Companies may also be certified by the Department of Commerce through its local minority business development agencies, or by local municipalities. Darden requires proof of such certification as a condition of doing business.

Are You Interested in Becoming a Darden Supplier?

Complete our online form
Fax or e-mail a copy of your minority-owned or woman-owned certification. (We require NMSDC or WBENC certification)
Send your company information (pamphlet, brochure, presentation).
Once your registration is complete, we will forward your company’s information to the appropriate department within Darden. They will contact you if an opportunity arises.