Darden Restaurants

Primary moat sources are brand intangibles at Olive Garden and LongHorn and a cost advantage from scale purchasing and a dedicated distribution network. Darden highlights four competitive advantages that codify how its size, data, strategic planning, and results‑oriented culture reinforce consistent execution.

The company owns inventory through Darden Direct and leverages national distribution partners, which helps mitigate supply shocks and reduce unit‑level costs. Switching costs are low in casual dining and there are no network effects; efficient scale exists locally for certain fine‑dining boxes but is not system‑wide.

Potential erosion vectors include sustained beef inflation eroding value positioning, delivery intermediaries shifting traffic patterns, and format fatigue, though management continues to simplify and sharpen brand propositions.

Weighted component view: intangible assets 75/100, cost advantage 80/100, efficient scale 55/100, switching costs 20/100, network effects 0/100.