Two months after Darden's dramatic board restructuring, Olive Garden beat analysts' expectations and reported its first positive same-store sales in more than a year.
The battle with activist investor Starboard Value LC will come to a boil at the company's annual meeting on Friday, where Darden is expected to at minimum lose control of its board.
Looking to capitalize on America's appetite for all things 'endless,' the casual dining chain is selling $100 gift cards for seven weeks' worth of unlimited pasta, salad, bread and soda.
Golden Gate Capital, a private equity firm with experience in the restaurant industry, picks up the casual dining seafood chain from Darden Restaurants, Inc.