Overview
- Darden moved the systemwide launch to January, accelerating from an earlier plan to complete the rollout by May.
- The new menu section offers smaller versions of existing dishes priced roughly $13 to $15, with exact prices varying by market.
- Items include Chicken Parmigiana, Eggplant Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, Cheese Ravioli, Spaghetti & Meatballs, and Fettuccine Alfredo.
- Testing at about 40% of restaurants, later expanded by roughly 20%, delivered double-digit gains in affordability perception and higher visit frequency among these guests.
- The company says the lighter portions are an additional option rather than a replacement, and it reported quarterly revenue up 7.3% to $3.1 billion with comparable sales rising 4.3%.