Skip to Content

Darden Restaurants CEO to retire in May; insider promoted

KIFI

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The CEO of the nation’s largest full-service restaurant owner will retire in May. Darden Restaurants announced Friday that Gene Lee will step down as CEO after seven years, but will remain as board chairman. He will be replaced by Rick Cardenas, the company’s president and chief operating officer. The company is based in Orlando, Florida, and owns Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze and Eddie V’s. The company has more than 1,850 locations and annual sales of $7 billion. It also announced that it will raise its minimum hourly wage from $10 to $12, including tips.

Article Topic Follows: AP National Business

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KIFI Local News 8 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content