DRI vs QSR Comparison

Darden Restaurants is the largest global full-service dining operator, with over $12 billion in system sales across 2,159 company-owned stores at the end of fiscal 2025, spanning the US and Canada. The firm operates 10 banners in four segments, including Olive Garden (43% of sales), LongHorn Steakhouse (25%), and fine dining (21%), which includes The Capital Grille, Ruth's Chris, and Eddie V's. The other 11% of sales comes from smaller concepts such as Yard House and Cheddar's. Darden primarily generates revenue through sales of food and beverage items at its company-owned restaurants. It also earns royalties on sales from 154 franchised locations in US and international markets, which sit within the other segment but are immaterial to consolidated results.

Restaurant Brands generates about $47 billion in system sales across more than 33,000 restaurants in over 120 markets, making it one of the largest restaurant companies globally. Its banners include Burger King (7,025 stores), Tim Hortons (4,586), Popeyes (3,578), and Firehouse Subs (1,449), concentrated in the US and Canada, with these brands also comprising 16,403 franchised international locations as of year-end 2025. The firm primarily earns revenue from franchise and property fees, supply chain sales within the Tim Hortons segment, company-operated restaurants, and advertising royalties.