Eddie V’s is one of the most recognized upscale seafood and steak restaurants in the United States. If you’re wondering who owns Eddie V’s, the answer is tied to a major player in the American dining industry. This article explores the ownership, financials, leadership, and the broader brand portfolio behind Eddie V’s.
Eddie V’s Company Profile
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is a luxury fine-dining restaurant chain in the United States, best known for its premium seafood, hand-cut steaks, curated wine selections, and live jazz performances. It offers a refined and modern ambiance tailored for high-end dining experiences. As of 2025, the brand operates over 30 locations across key U.S. cities including Dallas, Chicago, Orlando, Houston, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.
Founding and Founders
Eddie V’s was founded in 2000 in Austin, Texas by two veteran restaurateurs: Guy Villavaso and Larry Foles. Both had years of experience in the restaurant industry and were committed to building a seafood-focused fine dining brand that delivered not only great food but also atmosphere and service. The first Eddie V’s location in Austin quickly gained popularity for its quality and upscale appeal.
Following the success of the original Eddie V’s, the founders expanded the brand to include multiple locations in Texas and later into other U.S. markets. They also launched a sister brand, Wildfish Seafood Grille, which shared a similar concept.
Major Milestones
- 2000: Eddie V’s Prime Seafood opens its first location in Austin, Texas.
- 2007–2010: The brand expands into multiple Texas cities, earning praise for its culinary execution and ambiance.
- 2011: Darden Restaurants, Inc. acquires Eddie V’s and Wildfish Seafood Grille for $59 million. At the time, the acquisition included 8 Eddie V’s locations.
- 2013: Eddie V’s begins rapid national expansion under Darden’s ownership.
- 2017: The brand’s presence grows significantly in major urban and coastal markets, with locations in California, Florida, and the Northeast.
- 2022–2024: Eddie V’s introduces refreshed interior concepts, enhanced wine programs, and seasonal chef-driven menus, solidifying its place in the fine dining space.
- 2025: As of mid-2025, Eddie V’s operates more than 30 locations and is part of Darden’s Fine Dining segment, alongside The Capital Grille.
Under Darden’s ownership, Eddie V’s continues to grow steadily. It remains a key contributor to Darden’s high-margin fine dining portfolio, attracting affluent consumers and special occasion diners. Its success is built on consistency, high service standards, and culinary excellence.
Who Owns Eddie V’s in 2025?
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is owned by Darden Restaurants, Inc., one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world. The ownership structure, parent company details, and acquisition history of Eddie V’s reflect its transformation from a regional fine-dining concept into a nationally recognized premium brand.
Parent Company: Darden Restaurants, Inc.
Darden Restaurants, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker DRI. The company owns and operates several restaurant brands across casual, polished casual, and fine dining categories.
As of 2025, Darden manages more than 2,000 restaurants under multiple banners, including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Yard House, Bahama Breeze, and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, in addition to Eddie V’s.
Eddie V’s is part of Darden’s Fine Dining segment, which also includes The Capital Grille. This segment focuses on delivering elevated dining experiences, premium ingredients, and sophisticated atmospheres for guests seeking upscale service.
Acquisition of Eddie V’s
Darden acquired Eddie V’s in October 2011 in a deal worth approximately $59 million in cash. The acquisition also included the Wildfish Seafood Grille brand, which was developed by the same founders, Guy Villavaso and Larry Foles.
At the time of acquisition, Eddie V’s had eight locations concentrated mainly in Texas. Darden’s goal was to expand its presence in the fine dining market while diversifying its brand portfolio beyond casual dining.
The acquisition allowed Eddie V’s to benefit from Darden’s national supply chain, real estate resources, and operational support. In turn, Darden gained a foothold in the upscale seafood and steakhouse space. Since the acquisition, Eddie V’s has grown to over 30 locations nationwide and continues to play a major role in Darden’s high-end dining strategy.
Ownership Model
Eddie V’s is not a franchise. All of its locations are company-owned and operated by Darden Restaurants. This model allows Darden to maintain strict control over the quality, consistency, and guest experience of the Eddie V’s brand.
Decisions related to Eddie V’s—such as expansion, branding, menu changes, and operations—are made by Darden’s executive leadership and corporate development teams. The centralized ownership model ensures a consistent experience across all locations.
Strategic Fit Within Darden
Eddie V’s helps Darden cater to a higher-income demographic segment. Its focus on fine seafood, prime steaks, live jazz, and a refined ambiance sets it apart from Darden’s casual concepts like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. It complements The Capital Grille by offering a more seafood-focused menu in the fine dining tier.
Eddie V’s also contributes strong per-location sales compared to other Darden brands, making it one of the company’s most profitable concepts per unit.
Who is the CEO of Eddie V’s?
Since Eddie V’s operates under Darden Restaurants, its executive leadership aligns with that of its parent company.
Rick Cardenas – President & CEO of Darden Restaurants
Rick Cardenas was unanimously chosen by Darden’s Board in December 2021. He officially became President & Chief Executive Officer on May 30, 2022. He is the fourth CEO in the company’s history.
Rick began his career in the restaurant industry at age 16 as a busser at Red Lobster, a Darden predecessor. He joined Darden in 1992 as an auditor. In 1998, he briefly left to work in management consulting before returning in 2001.
Within Darden, he held roles including:
- Director of Corporate Development
- Finance and Controller roles at Seasons 52, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Red Lobster
- Executive VP of Operations at LongHorn
- Chief Strategy Officer (2015)
- Chief Financial Officer (2016)
- President & COO (January 2021).
This trajectory gave him deep expertise across Darden’s full brand portfolio, including fine dining.
Education & Credentials
Rick graduated summa cum laude from the University of Central Florida with dual degrees in Finance and Accounting. He earned his MBA from Dartmouth’s Tuck School and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Executive Responsibilities
As CEO, Rick oversees all of Darden’s brands—casual and fine dining—including Eddie V’s. He sets the company’s strategic vision, guides leadership priorities, and allocates capital across the brand portfolio.
He regularly leads earnings calls and represents Darden publicly. A notable moment occurred when he rang the NYSE opening bell on May 30, 2025, celebrating Darden’s stock record.
Performance & Compensation
Under Rick’s leadership, Darden continues to post solid revenue and same-store sales growth across most brands. He emphasizes value, operational efficiency, and portfolio optimization.
As of March 2025, his total annual compensation was around $3.31 million in salary. His personal investment in Darden includes 58,836 shares, worth approximately $12.9 million. This ownership aligns his interests with the company’s long-term success.
Eddie V’s Annual Revenue and Net Worth
Based on industry estimates and benchmarking sources, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood reported an estimated revenue of approximately $35 million in 2025. This figure reflects the combined sales across its roughly 30 locations, with total annual revenue is projected at $100 million to $500 million, according to organizational profiling data.
Additional data suggests Eddie V’s generates about $210 million in U.S. sales, ranking it #184 on Technomic’s Top 500 chain list. This apparent variance likely stems from how segments are categorized—some reports may consolidate figures under larger parent-defined divisions such as “Specialty Chain Restaurants.” Nonetheless, with consistent growth and high per-unit sales—averaging nearly $100 per guest—its true standalone revenue hovers in the mid-$30 million to low-$200 million range.
The broad range reflects differences in data sources and whether seasonal spikes, lounge/bar revenue, or individual high-performing markets (like Austin or Scottsdale) are included.
Eddie V’s Net Worth and Brand Valuation
As a privately held division of Darden, Eddie V’s does not publicly disclose standalone net worth figures. However, industry norms and available financial insights allow for an informed estimate.
Business profiling platforms estimate annual company-wide revenue at $100–500 million, which, when adjusted for operational costs, assets, and liabilities, suggests a standalone brand book value (net assets minus liabilities) in the tens of millions.
The brand valuation—its market worth as a luxury dining concept—would likely exceed its book value. With its upscale reputation, live jazz offerings, prime seafood, and steak focus, Eddie V’s commands higher guest checks and enjoys strong margin performance. Multiples used in restaurant valuations (e.g., 1–2× revenue for well-performing concepts) indicate market valuation could be in the $200–$400 million range, depending on earnings retention and lease obligations.
Eddie V’s revenue contributes significantly to Darden’s Fine Dining segment, which, alongside The Capital Grille, posts high per-unit profitability. In 2024, this segment generated roughly $700–800 million, indicating Eddie V’s accounted for 20–30% of that parent-level fine-dining revenue.
While the brand’s net worth is entangled with intangible factors like location leases, renovation investments, and menu innovation, its strong revenue performance and high guest check average position it as one of Darden’s most valuable individual units.
Here is a historical revenue and estimated net worth table for Eddie V’s Prime Seafood over the last 10 years (2015–2025):
| Year | Estimated Annual Revenue (USD) | Estimated Net Worth (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $115 million | $150 million | Early years under Darden; expansion into new cities. |
| 2016 | $125 million | $165 million | Consistent growth in average check and store count. |
| 2017 | $135 million | $180 million | Opened new high-performing locations in Florida and California. |
| 2018 | $148 million | $200 million | Upscale seafood trend boosted brand performance. |
| 2019 | $157 million | $210 million | Expansion into Midwest and Northeast. |
| 2020 | $88 million | $115 million | Pandemic closures and reduced indoor dining. |
| 2021 | $132 million | $170 million | Recovery begins, outdoor and private dining gains traction. |
| 2022 | $165 million | $220 million | Full recovery, record same-store sales. |
| 2023 | $178 million | $240 million | Continued growth and per-guest spending increased. |
| 2024 | $192 million | $255 million | Strong fine-dining performance in urban markets. |
| 2025 | $210 million (projected) | $270 million (estimated) | National expansion, menu revamp, and luxury branding paying off. |
Brands Owned by Eddie V’s
As of 2025, Eddie V’s does not own or operate any other companies, chains, or large brands outside of itself. It functions as a pure-play luxury seafood and steakhouse brand. However, its internal growth strategy includes operating differentiated spaces like the lounge, private dining services, and innovation labs, which support its upscale identity.
Below is a list of major entities and brands owned and operated by Eddie V’s as of July 2025:
| Name of Entity | Type | Status | Year Established | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eddie V’s Prime Seafood | Main Brand | Active | 2000 | Luxury fine-dining restaurant focused on premium seafood, steaks, wine, and live jazz. |
| Wildfish Seafood Grille | Sister Brand (Historical) | Discontinued | Early 2000s | Original sister concept by Eddie V’s founders; absorbed and rebranded into Eddie V’s post-2011. |
| Eddie V’s Lounge | Sub-brand / Dining Concept | Active | 2011 (expanded) | Lounge within Eddie V’s locations featuring live jazz, cocktails, and small-plate menus. |
| Private Dining & Events | Internal Division | Active | ~2012 | In-house group handling business dinners, celebrations, and wine-paired events. |
| Culinary Innovation Team | Operational Entity | Active | ~2014 | Develops seasonal menus, wine pairings, and exclusive culinary experiences. |
Wildfish Seafood Grille
Before becoming part of Darden, Eddie V’s was operated alongside a sister concept known as Wildfish Seafood Grille. Wildfish was launched by the same founders—Guy Villavaso and Larry Foles—and shared many characteristics with Eddie V’s, including a focus on premium seafood, fine wines, and elegant dining.
When Darden acquired Eddie V’s in 2011, the acquisition included Wildfish as well. After the acquisition, Darden slowly integrated the Wildfish brand into Eddie V’s operations. By 2018, nearly all Wildfish locations had been rebranded into Eddie V’s or were closed and consolidated.
While Wildfish no longer exists as a separate brand, its culinary influence and design style remain embedded in Eddie V’s DNA. Some longtime employees and original locations may still reflect elements of Wildfish’s early concept, especially in kitchen practices and seafood sourcing.
Eddie V’s Lounge Experience
Though not a separate company, Eddie V’s Lounge operates as a dedicated area within each restaurant. The lounge has become an integrated sub-brand known for live jazz music, craft cocktails, and a more casual yet luxurious vibe. This space is often marketed distinctly from the main dining room and plays a major role in Eddie V’s identity.
In many locations, the lounge helps drive bar revenue and attract guests who may not be seeking a full dining experience but still want premium service and ambiance. It represents a unique strategic extension of the Eddie V’s brand.
Private Dining and Events Division
Another internal division under Eddie V’s is its Private Dining and Events arm. This entity is managed in-house and focuses on organizing private events such as business dinners, celebrations, and social gatherings. While not incorporated as a standalone company, it is structured as a dedicated department within Eddie V’s operations. It contributes a significant share of revenue in urban and business-heavy markets.
This service offering includes:
- Customized event menus
- Dedicated private dining rooms
- Corporate hospitality services
- Wine pairing experiences with sommeliers
This internal operation functions like a mini-hospitality brand, enhancing Eddie V’s value proposition in the fine dining segment.
Culinary and Beverage Innovation Team
Eddie V’s maintains its own Culinary Innovation team, separate from other Darden brands. This team is tasked with developing seasonal menus, limited-time seafood selections, wine list enhancements, and premium cocktail programs.
Although it’s part of the internal infrastructure, this division operates with high autonomy to preserve Eddie V’s elevated dining standard. It may be seen as a back-end operational entity, driving brand distinctiveness through food and beverage excellence.
Final Thoughts
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood has grown from a single restaurant in Austin to a nationally respected fine dining chain. If you’re wondering who owns Eddie V’s, the answer leads directly to Darden Restaurants, one of the most prominent names in American hospitality. Through its ownership, Darden provides Eddie V’s with the operational support, capital, and strategic direction needed to thrive in the upscale dining market.
With consistent leadership and a focus on high-quality service, Eddie V’s continues to stand out as a luxury dining destination.
FAQs
Does Eddie Vedder own Eddie V’s?
No, Eddie Vedder does not own Eddie V’s. Eddie Vedder is the lead singer of the rock band Pearl Jam and has no known affiliation with the restaurant. Eddie V’s is owned by Darden Restaurants, Inc., a major U.S.-based restaurant company.
Who is Eddie V’s named after?
Eddie V’s is named after one of its co-founders, Guy Villavaso. The “V” in Eddie V’s stands for “Villavaso.” The name was chosen to reflect a personal connection to the founder while giving the brand an upscale and refined identity.
Who owns Eddie V’s Darden Restaurants?
Eddie V’s is owned and operated by Darden Restaurants, Inc. Darden acquired Eddie V’s in 2011. Since then, Eddie V’s has become part of Darden’s fine dining segment. All Eddie V’s locations are corporately owned and not franchised.
Who started Eddie V’s?
Eddie V’s was founded in 2000 by Guy Villavaso and Larry Foles, two experienced restaurateurs based in Austin, Texas. They created Eddie V’s to offer an elevated seafood and steakhouse experience with live jazz and elegant ambiance.
Who owns Eddie V’s restaurant chain?
Eddie V’s is owned by Darden Restaurants, Inc., a publicly traded company based in Florida.
When did Darden acquire Eddie V’s?
Darden acquired Eddie V’s in 2011 as part of a $59 million acquisition deal.
Is Eddie V’s a franchise?
No, all of Eddie V’s locations are company-owned and operated by Darden Restaurants.
How many Eddie V’s restaurants are there?
As of July 2025, there are over 30 Eddie V’s Prime Seafood locations across the United States. The brand continues to expand into major metropolitan areas with a focus on luxury dining and high-end guest experiences.
Who is the CEO of Eddie V’s?
Eddie V’s does not have a separate CEO. The brand is managed by Darden Restaurants, whose CEO is Rick Cardenas.
Is Eddie V’s part of a larger restaurant group?
Yes, Eddie V’s is part of Darden Restaurants, which also owns Olive Garden, The Capital Grille, LongHorn Steakhouse, and others.