hospitalitystyle.com

Darden Restaurants Inc. plans to open 50 to 55 new units in the upcoming year, down from the 71 net new units that debuted in its recently completed fiscal year. "Given the current level of uncertainty, we think it's prudent to be cautious in developing our plans for the year," said Clarence Otis, chairman and ceo. "As a result, we''re assuming that the economic and industry weakness we've experienced over the past six months will continue through all of our fiscal 2010."

Darden operates just under 1800 restaurants under the Olive Garden, Red Lobster, LongHorn Steakhouse, Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52 brands. The company disclosed its restaurant opening plans for the coming year in its earnings announcement for its fiscal 2009 year, during which it reported net earnings of $371.8 million on sales of $7.22 billion.