Darden Hikes Annual Sales Outlook as Value Menus Draw Diners
Darden raised its 2026 sales forecast to 4.5 percent growth today. Affordable menu options boosted quarterly revenue to 3.34 billion dollars despite a profit miss.
Darden Restaurants, Inc. has raised its annual sales forecast, banking on value-driven menu options and enhanced marketing to sustain demand across its casual dining portfolio. The company is responding to a volatile economic climate by introducing budget-friendly meals and leveraging a delivery partnership with Uber Technologies, Inc. via Uber Direct to reach more consumers. This strategic shift aligns with broader industry trends, as seen with CAVA Group, Inc., which recently boosted its own sales outlook on the back of resilient consumer interest.
Key financial highlights and projections include: - Same-restaurant sales growth for fiscal 2026 is now projected at 4.5%, up from a previous range of 3.5% to 4.3%. - Annual earnings guidance has been narrowed to between $10.57 and $10.67 per share. - Total third-quarter sales reached $3.34 billion, surpassing the $3.33 billion expected by analysts. - LongHorn Steakhouse reported a 7.2% sales increase, while Olive Garden saw growth of 3.2%.
