Darden Restaurants Faces Consumer Shift, Plans Expansion Amid Challenges

Lower-income diners are cutting back while higher earners increase dining out, as Darden navigates a complex economic landscape.

Darden Restaurants, owner of Olive Garden, reports a shift in consumer behavior with lower-income families dining out less.
The company's third-quarter sales rose 6.8% to $3 billion, but saw a decrease in transactions from households earning below $75,000.
Higher-income individuals are dining out more, highlighting a two-track economy.
Darden's stock fell due to missed revenue expectations and a cut in its annual sales forecast.
Despite challenges, Darden plans to open 50 to 55 new restaurants and aims for sales growth of 1.5% to 2%.