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Darden CEO sees growing consumer uncertaintyDarden CEO sees growing consumer uncertainty

Gene Lee says economy appears ‘very strong,’ but data show impact on confidence

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

September 19, 2019

5 Min Read
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Uncertainty seems to be impacting consumer confidence and is pressuring brands to provide even more compelling guest experiences and hone value messaging, according Gene Lee, president and CEO of Darden Restaurants Inc.

Orlando, Fla.-based Darden, parent to Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse and six other casual-dining brands, posted same-store sales growth of 0.9% in the first quarter ended Aug. 25, but, on a conference call Thursday, Lee said, “I personally believe that there's uncertainty entering into the consumer. And it's impacting their confidence.”

While the “the backdrop appears to be very strong for the consumer,” Lee said, with wage growth and high employment rates that have historically been good for restaurant sales and profit,...

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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