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Darden Still Plans 70 New Sites in 2009

ORLANDO, FL-'We think we're better able to weather the current storm better than our competitors,' says the CEO.

By Debra Hazel | Updated on December 21, 2008

ORLANDO, FL-Supported by a relatively strong performance at Olive Garden, Darden Restaurants will only slightly cut back on restaurant openings this year, executives said at the company’s second quarter conference call. The company plans to open approximately 70 net new restaurants in fiscal 2009, down from the 75 to 80 planned earlier. “This reduction reflects our desire for slow growth, and that the retail developments we were expected to open in have slowed,” says Andrew Madsen, president and COO.

Olive Garden will open 35 to 40 new units, LongHorn Steakhouse is on target for 15 to 17 new units, and Red Lobster will open 10 new units. The remainder will open in the firm’s specialty group, primarily in Capital Grille. However, Seasons 52 will open in Cherry Hill, NJ, its first location outside the Southeast.

“We believe (Olive Garden) has the potential for 800 to 900 restaurants in North America,” Madsen says. “Ultimately, we believe LongHorn has the potential for 600 to 800 restaurants in North America.”

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