Darden Restaurants enters fiscal 2027 with a balanced investment setup, benefiting from positive same-restaurant sales and a more diversified brand portfolio. LongHorn Steakhouse drove same-restaurant sales growth of 7.2% in fiscal 2026, accelerating to 9.5% in the fourth quarter, while Olive Garden remains the anchor at 42.3% of revenues. The company plans 75-80 new restaurant openings and about $875 million in capital spending, but faces margin pressure from expected 3% total inflation and cautious consumer spending. Darden's stock carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) with a VGM Score of B, reflecting a neutral near-term earnings-revision backdrop.
Darden Restaurants Inccautious consumer spending and margin pressure from 3% inflation
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