Sponsored By

Darden completes acquisition of Chuy’s HoldingsDarden completes acquisition of Chuy’s Holdings

Portfolio casual-dining restaurant company adds Mexican concept

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

October 11, 2024

1 Min Read
Chuys sign

Darden Restaurants Inc. completed its $605 million acquisition of the 101-unit Chuy’s Holdings Inc., the company said Friday.

Orlando, Fla.-based Darden, parent to the Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen among other brands, said Chuy's stockholders approved the sale Oct. 10.

The merger agreement was announced July 17.

Darden said it financed the acquisition with a portion of the proceeds of a $400 million offering of 4.350% senior notes due 2027 and a $350 million offering of 4.550% senior notes due 2029, which were issued on Oct. 3.

With the acquisition complete, Chuy's joins Darden's portfolio of brands, which also includes Yard House, Ruth's Chris Steak House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's, and Bahama Breeze.

Founded in Austin, Texas, in 1982, Chuy's operates restaurants across 15 states.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on X/Twitter: @RonRuggless

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

 

Subscribe Nation's Restaurant News Newsletters
Get the latest breaking news in the industry, analysis, research, recipes, consumer trends, the latest products and more.