Darden Timeline

By ericmacpherson

  • William Darden opens his first restaurant, The Green Frog.

    William Darden opens his first restaurant, The Green Frog.

  • Darden opens his first Reb Lobster location in Lakeland, Florida. This would be his mostr successful chain.

    Darden opens his first Reb Lobster location in Lakeland, Florida. This would be his mostr successful chain.

  • General Mills purchases Darden

    General Mills purchases Darden

  • Under General Mills ownership, Darden open its first Olive Garden.

    Under General Mills ownership, Darden open its first Olive Garden.

  • General Mills spins off Darden into it's own company called Darden Restaurants.

    General Mills spins off Darden into it's own company called Darden Restaurants.

  • Darden purchses Atlanta based rival, Rare Hospitality.

    Darden purchses Atlanta based rival, Rare Hospitality.

  • Darden sells Red Lobster for a reported 2.1 billion US dollars.

    Darden sells Red Lobster for a reported 2.1 billion US dollars.