Top Chefs at Darden choose to switch brands

Michael LaDuke, former Corporate Executive Chef at Red Lobster selects the Corporate Executive Chef role at The Capital Grill while Jim Nuetzi, who leaves Capital Grill takes the lead culinary position at Olive Garden.  Anette Grecchi-Grey moves up in the Red Lobster organization to take the Corporate Executive Chef Position. Other ICCA members Kurt Hankins and Clifford Pleau remain at the helm of their brands Longhorn Steakhouse and Seasons 52 respectively. In more Darden news, Season 52 is targeting to hit their 50 restaurant goal in the next 12 – 18 months. Many wondered if it could be done, but the team at Darden has done a great job of carefully growing the brand as a part of the Specialty Restaurant Group which includes The Capital Grill, Bahama Breeze, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, and newly purchased 40-unit Yard House. The Orlando based $8 billion restaurant chain has also been a huge asset to the ICCA with board members and past presidents helping to grow our brand for the past 10 years.  Currently Kurt Hankins and Michael LaDuke are on the ICCA board of directors.