Topic: Casual Dining Restaurants

Will the Letterman-Palin Clash Take a Bite Out of Olive Garden?

Late last week, the Web site Politico ran a story claiming that Olive Garden was pulling its ads during The Late Show with David Letterman because of the late-night comedian's recent joke about Sarah Palin's teenage daughter. The ...READ»

Why America Is Addicted to Olive Garden

Technology, savvy brand management, and a little bit of soul have made $6.7 billion Darden Restaurants the world's biggest casual-dining operation -- and it's still growing, even in tough times.READ»

• The Darden Menu

The Darden Menu

Starter The Green Frog The pitch: "Service with a hop" Size: A 10-stool lunch counter in Waycross, Georgia -- Bill Darden's first restaurant, opened in 1938 Entrées Olive Garden The pitch: ...READ»

Clarence Otis Jr. Interview

In the June 7th New York Times there was an interview with Clarence Otis Jr., CEO of Darden Restaurants (Red Lobster, Olive Garden & Capital Grille - talk about diversity!)that I found intriguing because of his answers to 2 ...READ»

Slow Food: The Restaurant Biz Is Floundering

More bad news for the nation's diners, drive-thrus, and dives. Can they innovate their way out of this mess?READ»

Lofty Living On the Cheap

What's the next thing in hotel rooms? High ceilings.READ»

Sustainability: When It Comes to Going Green, Bigger is Better

When it comes to the environment, we are constantly told that every little bit counts. But it's often hard to see what impact an individual recycling an empty soda can or turning down the thermostat a few degrees in winter really has ...READ»