Fast-food customers are shifting to casual-dining chains, Darden Restaurants CEO says

On Darden's quarterly earnings call Thursday, Cardenas told analysts that industry data is showing "a little bit of a shift from [quick-service restaurants] to some of those competitors" in casual dining. In particular, McDonald's has faced backlash from customers, social media users and even House Republicans for its higher prices. In an open letter in late May, the company's U.S. President Joe Erlinger hit back at critics claiming its menu prices have doubled, saying its prices are up just 40% since 2019. ...