Banco Santander Invests $6.74 Million in Darden Restaurants

The Spanish bank takes a stake in the restaurant operator as it navigates pandemic recovery.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Banco Santander S.A., a major Spanish financial institution, has acquired a new stake in Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI), the parent company of Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and other dining chains. The bank purchased 35,421 shares of Darden's stock, valued at approximately $6.74 million, during the third quarter of 2025 according to a recent SEC filing.

Why it matters

Darden Restaurants has been working to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly disrupted the restaurant industry. Banco Santander's investment suggests the bank sees long-term growth potential in Darden's portfolio of casual dining brands as the company navigates the post-pandemic landscape.

The details

Banco Santander's $6.74 million investment in Darden Restaurants represents a new stake for the Spanish bank. Other major institutional investors, including JPMorgan Chase & Co., Marshall Wace LLP, and Invesco Ltd., have also increased their positions in Darden in recent quarters as the company has worked to adapt its operations and menu offerings to changing consumer preferences.

  • Banco Santander acquired the 35,421 shares of Darden Restaurants stock in the third quarter of 2025.
  • Darden Restaurants released its Q3 2025 earnings results on December 18, 2025.

The players

Banco Santander S.A.

A major Spanish financial institution that has acquired a new stake in Darden Restaurants, Inc.

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

The parent company of Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and other casual dining restaurant chains that has been working to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Banco Santander's investment in Darden Restaurants suggests the Spanish bank sees long-term growth potential in the company's portfolio of casual dining brands as the industry continues to recover from the pandemic. This move aligns with broader trends of institutional investors closely watching the restaurant sector's performance and positioning for a post-COVID future.