Leadership in casual dining and long history of success in the restaurant industry; Sound financial position and consistent profitability; and Consistent cash flows and improved credit protection measures. Participation in highly competitive industry with limited avenues for growth. The ratings on Orlando, Fla.-based Darden Restaurants Inc. reflect the company's relatively good position in the casual dining industry, financial conservatism as demonstrated by its solid cash flow protection measures, and strong balance sheet. Darden is the largest full-service casual-dining restaurant company in the U.S., operating 683 Red Lobster, 584 Olive Garden, 32 Bahama Breeze, 127 Smokey Bones BBQ, and five Seasons 52 restaurants. Darden has generated consistently good operating results since 1998 because it has successfully reinvested in its core businesses.
