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StocksMediumUpdated•Originally published 18 April 2026•Updated 18 April 2026•
1 min read

Darden Restaurants (DRI) Unveils Expansion Strategy with 70 New Locations

Key Facts

1Darden plans to open 65-70 new locations between May 2025 and April 2026.
2The company is converting closed Bahama Breeze restaurants into other Darden brands to maximize real estate value.
3The company recently opened a new Capital Grille in Nashville as part of its growth strategy.

Darden Restaurants Inc. (DRI) has announced an aggressive expansion strategy, planning to open between 65 and 70 new locations from May 2025 through April 2026. This move aims to strengthen the company's competitive position, alongside sector peers like Starbucks, Yum China, and Dutch Bros, which are currently outperforming through menu innovation and digital strategies despite industry headwinds. As part of its real estate optimization, Darden is converting closed Bahama Breeze locations into other brands within its portfolio to maximize asset value. The company recently highlighted its growth momentum with the opening of a new Capital Grille in Nashville. These strategic initiatives aim to drive revenue growth and leverage operational efficiencies across its brand ecosystem. Analysts view this calculated expansion as a positive indicator of management's confidence in long-term consumer demand.