David Sterling Palmer

David Sterling Palmer inquired about the reasons behind the strong performance of the casual dining segment and its sustainability. He also asked about Olive Garden's strategy to maintain momentum against tougher comparisons later in the fiscal year, specifically mentioning the large test of smaller portions.

Answer

CEO Rick Cardenas attributed casual dining's strength to generally lower pricing compared to other dining segments, offering guests perceived value and a place to connect. For Olive Garden, he noted plans to continue momentum despite challenging comparisons, with affordability items and lighter portions expected to drive traffic long-term, potentially with future marketing support.

David Sterling Palmer inquired about the reasons behind the strong performance of the casual dining segment and its sustainability. He also asked about Olive Garden's strategy to maintain momentum in the latter half of the fiscal year, especially with tougher comparisons and the ongoing test of smaller portions.

Answer

Rick Cardenas, President, CEO & Director, attributed casual dining's strength to competitive pricing, perceived value, and consumers seeking social dining experiences. For Olive Garden, he stated that plans are in place to continue momentum, with affordability items and lighter portions expected to drive long-term traffic, potentially with marketing support in the back half of the year.