cks, Asians and Hispanics)Success enables it to launch new concepts (Bahama Breeze, Smokey Bones)High salary and management autonomy Highly qualified employeesEarnings drain caused by developing new concepts and unit expansionLimited brand diversityOld concepts need to be upgraded to keep up with changing environmentOPPORTUNITIESTHREATSDemographic shift in the United States. Focus on retiring and moving Baby Boomers, double income families, and dual income, no kid families.Socio-cultural shift in market place as families eat out more often.Technological opportunities exist in streamlining the different outlets into one venue for better market control and more bargaining power with vendors.Global opportunities exist in Canada as money spent in the restaurant industry continues to increase.New entrants in a fast changing high demand market.Darden is entering upscale dining market with Bahama Breeze. KEY FINANCIAL RATIO & ANALYSISNot only SWOT analysis, but also financial analysis will be conducted in this part. Criteria for choosing competitors, profitability, liquidity, activity, leverage, and Du Pont Identity ratio will be followed to show Darden restaurants current position.Criteria for choosing competitorsAdvantica Restaurant Group Inc., Applebees International Inc., Brinker International Inc., Landrys Seafood restaurants Inc., Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon Inc., Il Fornaio Corporation, Outback Steakhouse, Inc were chosen as the competitive set. The following four criteria were considered in choosing the set.Type of establishment- food only or food and beverage.Type of business- franchise or ownership.National or international.Size- the number of restaurants.Type of food.Target customers.Profitability RatiosAccording to Darden Restaurants Inc.s annual report, total revenue in 1999 increased 4.9%, from 3287 millions to 3458.1 millions. Net income of 1999 was 140.5 millions which was an increase of 27.6% from 101.7 million in 1998. Foo...
