Operating Company Overview

Red Lobster
An American icon that helped change the nation's dining habits, Red Lobster has been the market leader in casual dining seafood since the first restaurant opened in 1968. With 648 restaurants in the United States and 31 in Canada, Red Lobster's fiscal 2005 sales were $2.4 billion, and average annual sales per restaurant were $3.6 million.

Olive Garden
Olive Garden helped define the Italian segment of casual dining when it opened in 1982 and today is the world's largest full-service casual dining Italian restaurant company, with 557 restaurants in the United States and six in Canada. Olive Garden posted its 43rd consecutive quarter of U.S. same-restaurant sales growth in fiscal 2005, and sales totaled $2.4 billion, with average annual sales per restaurant of $4.4 million.

Bahama Breeze
With its unique combination of Caribbean-inspired cuisine, hand-crafted tropical drinks, vibrant atmosphere and people who are happy to be of service, Bahama Breeze gives guests the feeling of a Caribbean escape. Now in its tenth year, Bahama Breeze operates 32 restaurants in 19 states and had sales of $164 million in fiscal 2005, with average annual sales per restaurant of $5.1 million.

Smokey Bones Barbeque & Grill
Smokey Bones Barbeque & Grill is Darden's fastest-growing concept, with 104 restaurants in 27 states. Since opening in 1999, the brand has offered great-tasting genuine barbeque and other American favorites in a mountain-lodge setting with televised sports viewing. In fiscal 2005, Smokey Bones had sales of $269 million and average annual sales per restaurant of $3.1 million.

New Business Development
Seasons 52, the newest test concept developed by Darden's New Business team, celebrates living well by offering a seasonally inspired and healthier dining option. Debuting in 2003, Seasons 52 continued its initial test phase in fiscal 2005 with the opening of two additional Florida locations. The fresh grill restaurants feature lower-calorie, nutritionally balanced meals, complemented by quality wines from around the world.