Managing change is a challenging dynamic in brand management excellence. Rapid change to a brand can result in customer alienation, and change that's too slow can result in stagnation. Successfully managing a brand in the face of behavioral, cultural and economic shifts that affect consumer needs and tastes is an evolutionary process – it happens incrementally over time. As a company committed to creating brands that endure for generations, Darden must stay constantly alert to these shifts and respond accordingly. After 37 years in the casual dining industry, we are veterans of this process, which is reflected by the fact that we're the only company in casual dining with two $2 billion-plus brands in Red Lobster and Olive Garden.

    The world has changed significantly since we opened the first Red Lobster in 1968. Today, consumer tastes have changed and broadened considerably. To meet this demand as Red Lobster grew to more than 600 restaurants, Darden's seafood supply chain evolved into a global network. Also, consumers are certainly more health conscious now than they were 30 years ago. So, while fried favorites will always have a place on the menu, Red Lobster also offers a full range of fresh shellfish and fin fish prepared in a variety of ways – including grilled and steamed. The company also features lower-calorie, lower-fat items in the LightHouse Selections section of its menu, and on its award-winning kid's menu.

    Olive Garden's story is similar. Consumers today are more open to new culinary experiences than when the first Olive Garden opened in 1982. That's why Italian classics such as Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan and Fettuccine Alfredo have been joined on the menu by new favorites such as Pork Filettino, Parmesan Crusted Tilapia and Ravioli di Portobello. These and other menu additions remain true to Olive Garden's culinary brand promise – a genuine Italian dining experience featuring fresh, simple, delicious Italian food.

    Changing consumer habits and tastes also present growth opportunities. For example, consumers are showing more interest in wine. Wine is also a key part of a genuine Italian dining experience. So Olive Garden built its wine selection program to make ordering wine easier for guests. Today Olive Garden has one of the best wine lists in casual dining.

    The latest example of anticipating changing consumer needs is our newest test concept, Seasons 52. Darden developed Seasons 52 to capitalize on the increasing interest in healthy and flavorful cuisine. As we continue the test, growing our four existing brands and creating or acquiring new concepts, we will continue our disciplined approach to brand management excellence that helps Darden live its core purpose – to nourish and delight everyone we serve.