The gain reflected a 3 percent to 4 percent increase in guest counts, and a 3 percent to 4 percent increase in check average.
The check average increase was a result of a 2 percent to 3 percent increase in pricing, Darden said, and a less than 1 percent increase from menu mix changes.
Same-restaurant sales at Olive Garden increased 3 percent to 4 percent in June, same as 2006.
Darden owns and operates nearly 1,400 Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze, Smokey Bones and Seasons 52 restaurants with annual sales of $5.9
