Who Owns The Capital Grille?
The Capital Grille is owned by Darden Restaurants Inc., a publicly traded American casual dining restaurant company headquartered in Orlando, Florida. The Capital Grille was founded in 1990 and acquired by Darden in 2007. The chain operates over 50 locations and is known for its premium steaks, extensive wine selection, and upscale dining atmosphere.
Parent Company
Darden Restaurants Inc.
Acquired
2007
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Orlando, Florida, USA
Who Owns The Capital Grille?
- Parent Company: Darden Restaurants Inc.
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 2007
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NYSE: DRI
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Capital Grille | Darden Restaurants Inc. | Wholly owned |
History of The Capital Grille
- Founded: 1990
- Founders: Flagstar Companies
- Acquired by Darden Restaurants Inc.: 2007
The Capital Grille was founded in 1990 by Flagstar Companies as an upscale steakhouse concept focused on premium beef, fine dining service, and an extensive wine selection. The brand developed a reputation for offering high-quality steaks in an elegant, sophisticated atmosphere that appealed to business diners and special occasion customers.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, The Capital Grille expanded across the United States, establishing itself as a significant player in the fine dining steakhouse segment. The brand became known for its commitment to premium ingredients, attentive service, and curated wine programs.
In 2007, Darden Restaurants acquired The Capital Grille as part of its acquisition of LongHorn Steakhouse and other brands from Flagstar. This acquisition marked Darden's strategic expansion into the fine dining steakhouse segment. Under Darden ownership, The Capital Grille has continued to maintain its premium positioning while accessing Darden's operational expertise and resources.
About Darden Restaurants Inc.
Who owns Darden Restaurants?
Darden Restaurants is an independent publicly traded company with no parent company. The company trades on the NYSE under DRI and is owned by institutional investors and individual shareholders.
What restaurants does Darden own?
Darden owns Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze, Ruth's Chris Steak House, and Chuy's.
What were Darden's Q2 FY2026 results?
For Q2 fiscal 2026 (quarter ended November 23, 2025), Darden reported total sales of $3.1 billion, up 7.3% year over year, with blended same-restaurant sales growth of 2.4% and net income of $237.2 million ($2.03 per share).
Does Darden own Red Lobster?
No. Darden sold Red Lobster to Golden Gate Capital in 2014. Red Lobster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2024.
When was Darden Restaurants founded?
Darden Restaurants was spun off from General Mills as an independent public company in 1995. Its origins trace to 1968 when Bill Darden opened the first Red Lobster in Lakeland, Florida.
How many restaurants does Darden operate?
Darden operates over 2,000 restaurants across its nine brands, primarily in the United States and Canada.
- Founded: 1968
- Headquarters: Orlando, Florida, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NYSE: DRI
Where Is The Capital Grille Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Orlando, Florida, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States
Brands Owned by Darden Restaurants Inc.
- Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen - American casual dining restaurant chain specializing in value-focused comfort fo...
- LongHorn Steakhouse - American casual dining steakhouse chain specializing in premium beef and steaks,...
- Olive Garden Italian Restaurant - American casual dining restaurant chain specializing in Italian-American cuisine...
- Ruth's Chris Steak House - American fine dining restaurant chain specializing in premium steaks, owned by D...
- Seasons 52 - American casual dining restaurant chain specializing in fresh grill cuisine and ...
- Yard House - American casual dining restaurant chain specializing in American cuisine with ex...
The Capital Grille Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Upscale dining network providing premium market positioning
- +Strong brand recognition in the fine dining steakhouse segment
- +Operational support and resources from Darden's shared services
- +Established supply chain and purchasing power for premium beef
- +Continuous innovation in menu and wine offerings
- +Significant scale in fine dining segment
Considerations
- -Company-owned model creates higher operational costs
- -Intense competition in the fine dining steakhouse industry
- -Dependence on Darden's strategic decisions and resource allocation
- -Premium beef sourcing and sustainability concerns
- -Economic sensitivity affecting fine dining segment
- -Changing consumer preferences toward healthier dining options
Frequently Asked Questions About The Capital Grille
Competitors to The Capital Grille
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Famous Brands | South Africa | 1934 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Bloomin Brands | USA | 2000 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| California Pizza Kitchen Inc | USA | 1985 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Bloomin Brands | USA | 1986 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Famous Brands | South Africa | 1991 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Hooters Of America | USA | 1983 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors
Wimpy
Owned by Famous Brands Limited
South African casual dining restaurant chain specializing in burgers and classic comfort food, owned by Famous Brands Limited.
Bonefish Grill
Owned by Bloomin' Brands Inc.
American casual dining seafood and grill restaurant chain owned by Bloomin' Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: BLMN), known for fresh seafood and wood-grilled preparations across approximately 200 locations in the United States.
California Pizza Kitchen
Owned by California Pizza Kitchen, Inc.
American casual dining restaurant chain known for innovative gourmet pizzas and California-inspired cuisine.
Carrabba's Italian Grill
Owned by Bloomin' Brands Inc.
American casual dining Italian restaurant chain, owned by Bloomin' Brands Inc.
Debonairs Pizza
Owned by Famous Brands Limited
South African pizza casual dining restaurant chain, owned by Famous Brands Limited.
Hooters
Owned by Hooters of America, LLC
American casual dining restaurant chain known for its seafood and American cuisine, featuring a distinctive brand identity.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: The Capital Grille competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Darden Restaurants Inc. Stock Information
Jobs at Darden Restaurants Inc.
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