Training & Development

Every year, we teach thousands of people a lifelong skill: how to succeed in the workplace. We spend approximately $60 million annually on our robust training program, and it begins immediately, regardless of role. As team members grow with us, so does their training.

New team members participate in a structured training program to help them learn more about their brand, their role and our expectations. On-the-job training is provided by Certified Trainers ⎯ team members who have completed certification to train others ⎯ who teach new hires the ins and outs of the job. On average, new team members receive 40-80 hours of training (depending on their role) through video and hands-on instruction.

Part of that instruction includes all team members, and managers, completing Darden’s food safety and sanitation training. In addition, every manager is required to attain food safety manager certification through the National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe program, and it must be renewed every five years.

Each year, approximately 1,000 hourly restaurant team members are promoted into management. As part of the process, participants complete our in-depth, Manager in Training (MIT) program. The program focuses on how to run a restaurant as well as leadership development and business acumen. It culminates with a week of classroom and hands-on instruction at our Restaurant Support Center (RSC) in Orlando that includes separate leadership conversations hosted by Darden’s CEO and our Chief People Officer. Training for new managers is not limited to the MIT program. Restaurant managers receive approximately 600 additional hours of training during their first year in the role.

Our GM/MP Leadership Experience is a two-day learning program that focuses on critical skills needed for GMs/MPs to lead their team and achieve results. The program is focused on helping GMs/MPs transition from leading an area of responsibility to leading an entire restaurant and their management team. Through instructor-led classroom learning and role play scenarios, attendees focus on topics such as Building Culture through Inclusion, Hiring for Success, Coaching Managers, Managing Difficult Situations, and Growing Sales & Improving Profitability. The program concludes with a Q&A session hosted by our CEO. 

Each year, our brands hold their annual leadership conference known as GM Conference or MP Conference. These events, which enable our brands to share their business plan and build excitement among their teams, also feature general sessions and breakout groups geared toward the continued development of GMs and MPs. They also allow Darden’s executive leadership team the opportunity to engage directly with these leaders and listen to those closest to the action.