Seasons 52 is a well-known American grill that focuses on seasonal ingredients and a fresh dining experience. If you’re wondering who owns Seasons 52, the answer reveals a much larger player in the casual dining industry. Let’s take a deep look into its ownership, financials, leadership, and parent companies.
Seasons 52 Company Profile
Seasons 52 is an American fresh grill and wine bar that offers seasonal dishes and an upscale casual dining experience. The concept behind the restaurant is built on using fresh, in-season ingredients that reflect the time of year. Each dish is crafted to be under 595 calories, appealing to health-conscious diners who still want a rich, flavorful meal. The restaurant is known for its rotating menu, handcrafted cocktails, and an extensive wine list with over 100 options, many available by the glass.
Founding and Concept
Seasons 52 was founded in 2003 in Orlando, Florida by Darden Restaurants, Inc., a major player in the U.S. restaurant industry. Unlike many other brands that Darden acquired, Seasons 52 was created in-house as a new concept. The goal was to target a growing market of diners interested in lighter, fresher, and healthier food options without sacrificing taste or presentation.
The name “Seasons 52” reflects the brand’s commitment to seasonal freshness and the 52 weeks of the year—symbolizing a menu that evolves constantly. It was also one of the first national restaurant concepts to focus specifically on calorie-conscious fine dining at scale.
Major Milestones
- 2003: The first Seasons 52 location opened in Orlando, Florida.
- 2005–2009: Encouraged by early success, Darden began expanding the brand into other markets like Georgia and New Jersey.
- 2010: Seasons 52 entered the Chicago and Los Angeles markets, marking its expansion into major metropolitan areas.
- 2011–2013: Continued rapid expansion brought Seasons 52 to over 30 locations across the United States.
- 2014: The brand introduced new design formats, modernized interiors, and opened urban locations in city centers.
- 2020–2021: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the chain adapted with takeout, delivery, and modified menus, maintaining stability during the crisis.
- 2024–2025: Seasons 52 maintains a presence in high-income suburban and urban markets, with over 40+ locations across the U.S., and continues to innovate its seasonal offerings.
Seasons 52 stands out in the crowded dining market due to its consistent brand promise: seasonally inspired dining with a focus on wellness, quality ingredients, and upscale ambiance. It remains a strategically important brand within the Darden portfolio for guests seeking a healthier, fine-dining alternative.
Who Owns Seasons 52 in 2025?
Seasons 52 is wholly owned by Darden Restaurants, Inc., a publicly traded American restaurant company headquartered in Orlando, Florida. Darden is one of the largest full-service restaurant operators in the United States, and Seasons 52 is one of its premium brands.
Unlike some of Darden’s other major holdings, such as Olive Garden or LongHorn Steakhouse (which were acquired through mergers or company purchases), Seasons 52 was developed internally by Darden as an original brand. It was never acquired from another group or an independent founder. This makes Seasons 52 unique among Darden’s portfolio in that it was crafted to fill a specific market niche: upscale casual dining with a focus on seasonal, lighter fare.
Summary of Ownership Facts
- Parent Company: Darden Restaurants, Inc.
- Ownership Structure: 100% company-owned (no franchises)
- Founded By: Darden Restaurants in 2003
- Acquisition History: None (developed in-house)
- Stock Ticker of Parent Company: DRI (NYSE)
- Control: Strategic and operational decisions managed by Darden’s executive leadership.
Parent Company: Darden Restaurants, Inc.
Darden Restaurants is the parent company of Seasons 52. It owns and operates several popular dining brands across the United States. Darden is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DRI and has a market capitalization of over $20 billion as of 2025.
Darden provides corporate-level services to all its restaurant brands. This includes supply chain management, human resources, IT infrastructure, marketing, compliance, and training. As part of the Darden portfolio, Seasons 52 benefits from this centralized support, which helps streamline operations and reduce costs across locations.
The company’s strong balance sheet and financial strength allow it to invest in new store development, remodels, menu innovations, and digital services for all of its brands, including Seasons 52.
Ownership Model
Seasons 52 operates under a fully company-owned model. There are no franchise locations. Every Seasons 52 restaurant is owned and managed directly by Darden. This ensures consistency in food quality, service standards, and brand experience across all locations nationwide.
This model contrasts with many other restaurant groups that rely on franchising to grow. Darden has retained full equity ownership over Seasons 52, which gives it more direct control over everything from site selection to staff training and menu development.
Corporate Governance and Oversight
Seasons 52 does not have a separate board of directors or executive team. Instead, it is governed and led by Darden’s corporate leadership. The CEO of Darden, along with the company’s Board of Directors and executive management team, oversees high-level decisions for Seasons 52 and other brands.
Each brand within Darden has its own operational leadership team responsible for brand-specific strategy, but ultimate authority lies with the Darden executive office. This centralized governance model allows Darden to execute long-term strategies across multiple brands with consistency and efficiency.
Who is the CEO of Seasons 52?
Rick Cardenas has been President and CEO of Darden Restaurants since May 30, 2022. He’s a 35-year veteran of the company and began as a busser at Red Lobster in Orlando.
In 1992, he became an auditor at Darden’s support center, and after a brief consulting stint from 1998 to 2001, he returned to lead corporate development.
His finance leadership roles included Director of Finance & Technology for Seasons 52, SVP of Finance & Controller for Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Red Lobster, followed by EVP of Operations for LongHorn Steakhouse. In July 2015, he became Chief Strategy Officer, then CFO in March 2016, and President & COO in January 2021, before becoming CEO in 2022.
Leadership Style & Strategic Focus
Cardenas emphasizes operational excellence, data-driven decisions, and brand differentiation. Under his guidance, Darden has focused on digital growth—such as off-premise and take-home meal offerings—alongside sustainable, long-term performance.
Compensation & Personal Investment
In 2024, his base salary was roughly $3.31 million. He also holds over 58,800 shares of Darden stock, valued at approximately $12.7 million as of March 2025. His compensation and stock ownership underscore his alignment with investor interests.
Education & External Roles
Cardenas graduated summa cum laude from the University of Central Florida with finance and accounting degrees. He earned an MBA from Dartmouth College’s Tuck School and is a Certified Public Accountant. He also serves on the board of Tractor Supply Company.
Season 52 Brand Leadership
Brand President: Laurie Casler
In June 2025, Laurie Casler was appointed President of Seasons 52. She leads more than 40 locations, 3,700 team members, and oversees approximately $300 million in annual sales.
Prior to this role, Casler spent 18 years with Darden. She started in 2003 as Sales Manager at The Capital Grille, later joining the Specialty Restaurant Group’s learning and development team. In 2014, she transitioned to operations with Seasons 52, rising to Vice President of Brand Operations for Seasons 52 & Bahama Breeze before being promoted.
Reporting Structure & Team
Casler reports to John Martin, Darden Group President. She works alongside brand presidents such as those of Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and The Capital Grille within Darden’s Specialty Restaurant Group.
Past Executive Leaders
Before Casler’s elevation, Mark Cooper led as President of Seasons 52 & Bahama Breeze until mid‑2025. Cooper moved on to lead Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, making way for Casler.
Decision-Making & Corporate Governance
Strategic decisions, including expansion, menu innovation, and brand direction, are set by Cardenas and the Darden board. Implementation is executed by brand presidents like Casler and their operations teams. This centralized structure ensures consistency and enables quick adaptation to market trends.
Seasons 52 Annual Revenue and Net Worth
Seasons 52 is not one of the highest revenue generators within its parent company, but it remains a strong performer. Its estimated 2025 revenue of over $300 million and an approximate net worth nearing $600 million position it as a stable and valuable component of Darden’s fine dining and specialty restaurant strategy.
As of 2025, the brand operates approximately 40 to 43 locations across the United States. Each restaurant is typically located in high-income suburbs or city centers and generates strong per-unit sales due to its upscale casual positioning and targeted customer base.
While Darden Restaurants does not report individual financial statements for each brand, internal estimates and industry analysis suggest that Seasons 52 generates approximately $280 million to $310 million in annual revenue. This estimate is based on average unit volumes (AUVs) of around $7 million per location, which is consistent with upscale casual concepts offering wine bars, seasonal menus, and elevated service. This places Seasons 52 within Darden’s fine dining and specialty segment, which also includes brands like The Capital Grille and Eddie V’s.
In 2025, despite some challenges in the broader fine-dining category—such as shifting consumer habits and economic headwinds—Seasons 52 maintained relatively stable year-over-year growth. The brand’s focus on fresh ingredients, health-conscious portions, and a modern wine-and-grill experience helped it retain a loyal customer base. Its dining model also aligns with evolving preferences toward lighter meals, clean eating, and curated dining experiences, giving it a competitive edge.
Net Worth and Asset Value
Seasons 52, being a fully-owned subsidiary of Darden Restaurants, does not publish a standalone valuation or net worth. However, analysts and internal assessments can offer a fair estimate based on its contribution to Darden’s overall value. Taking into account its annual revenue, market positioning, brand equity, and physical restaurant assets, the estimated net worth of Seasons 52 as of 2025 is in the range of $500 million to $650 million.
This valuation includes tangible assets such as real estate, leaseholds, kitchen and dining infrastructure, and intellectual property like the Seasons 52 brand name and proprietary seasonal menu model. It also factors in intangibles like customer loyalty, experienced workforce, and high-performance locations in key metropolitan areas.
The brand’s value is further supported by its relatively low overhead due to centralized support from Darden’s corporate structure. This means that despite operating fewer locations than other brands, Seasons 52 can achieve strong profitability per unit and maintain a healthy cash flow. Its stable performance, upscale appeal, and consistent customer satisfaction ratings contribute to its long-term asset value within the Darden family.
Financial Outlook
Looking forward, Seasons 52 is expected to maintain steady growth with selective expansion into new high-income urban markets. While it may not see the explosive growth of larger casual dining chains, its niche focus on seasonal, wellness-oriented dining makes it an important long-term asset for Darden. It also serves as a testing ground for innovative menu development and guest engagement strategies, which can influence practices across Darden’s broader portfolio.
Below is a 10-year historical revenue and estimated net worth table for Seasons 52:
| Year | Estimated Revenue (USD) | Estimated Net Worth (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $165 million | $280 million | Continued expansion; ~40 locations established |
| 2016 | $172 million | $300 million | Moderate same-store growth; focus on wine program |
| 2017 | $180 million | $325 million | Strong performance in suburban and city-center markets |
| 2018 | $188 million | $350 million | Brand refresh and updated menu initiatives |
| 2019 | $196 million | $375 million | Highest pre-pandemic AUV; steady growth |
| 2020 | $140 million | $280 million | COVID-19 impact; reduced dining capacity and closures |
| 2021 | $165 million | $310 million | Recovery year; adaptation to takeout and limited service |
| 2022 | $210 million | $400 million | Full recovery underway; wine and health-focused menu attract diners |
| 2023 | $250 million | $470 million | Strong rebound driven by digital ordering and upscale positioning |
| 2024 | $275 million | $520 million | Consistent same-restaurant sales and high unit volume |
| 2025 | $300 million (est.) | $600 million (est.) | Focused optimization and strong performance in fine dining segment |
Brands Owned by Seasons 52
As of 2025, Seasons 52 operates solely as a single-brand restaurant concept under the ownership and management of Darden Restaurants, Inc. Unlike some larger restaurant groups that manage multiple sub-brands or spin-off concepts, Seasons 52 does not own or operate any other companies, brands, or separate entities under its name.
However, the brand maintains a well-defined internal structure, encompassing various operational divisions and service models that function within the Seasons 52 ecosystem. While these are not standalone companies, they form part of how Seasons 52 delivers its upscale dining experience.
Below are the major internal components and strategic units owned by Seasons 52:
| Brand/Division Name | Type | Description | Ownership/Control | Operational Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seasons 52 Fresh Grill and Wine Bar | Core Brand & Restaurant | The main full-service restaurant concept offering seasonal menus and wine | Fully owned by Darden | ~40–43 locations across the U.S. |
| Seasons 52 Wine Bar Experience | Internal Concept | Premium wine program with 100+ wines, integrated into each location | Operated under main brand | Part of all restaurant locations |
| Seasons 52 Private Dining & Events | Sub-service within restaurants | Private rooms and event coordination for groups, meetings, and celebrations | Operated under main brand | Available at select locations |
| Seasons 52 Takeout & Catering | Service Extension | Seasonal meal boxes, family-style meals, and event platters for off-premise | Operated under main brand | Online and in-store availability |
Seasons 52 Fresh Grill and Wine Bar
This is the core brand identity and the only official entity owned and operated under the Seasons 52 name. It refers to the full-service restaurants branded as “Seasons 52,” offering a chef-inspired seasonal menu, hand-crafted cocktails, and an award-winning wine program. Each location focuses on fresh, grilled dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients, with an emphasis on wellness — all menu items are designed to be under 595 calories.
The brand currently operates around 40 to 43 locations across the United States in high-end retail zones, urban districts, and affluent suburban areas. These restaurants are fully company-owned (not franchised) and managed directly by Darden’s specialty dining division.
Seasons 52 Wine Bar Experience
This is not a separate company, but an internal service model embedded into each restaurant. The wine bar concept is a critical part of the Seasons 52 identity. It includes a curated selection of over 100 wines, many available by the glass, with a rotating list that changes seasonally alongside the menu. Certified sommeliers are often part of the staff to guide guests through pairings and educate them on wine selections.
This division is positioned as a competitive differentiator in the upscale casual dining space, targeting a more sophisticated, experience-driven customer.
Seasons 52 Private Dining and Events
Many Seasons 52 locations include private dining rooms designed for business meetings, celebrations, and special events. The private dining service operates under the main brand but is treated as a sub-segment of its business model. Each restaurant has designated event coordinators who manage group menus, wine pairings, and customized experiences for guests.
This offering allows the brand to capture additional revenue streams and appeal to corporate and premium clientele who are looking for tailored dining experiences.
Seasons 52 Takeout and Catering Services
As of 2025, Seasons 52 has expanded its takeout and small-scale catering services as part of its post-pandemic evolution. These services are not managed under a separate name or brand, but they are marketed through online platforms and integrated into the Seasons 52 website and digital ordering system.
Though limited compared to traditional catering brands, the company’s boxed meals, pre-set seasonal menus, and family-style to-go options allow the brand to tap into at-home dining while maintaining its premium standards.
Final Thoughts
Seasons 52 is a unique restaurant brand built around the concept of seasonal, health-conscious dining. It is owned by Darden Restaurants, a powerful name in the American dining industry. Through Darden’s resources and executive leadership, Seasons 52 continues to grow and serve a niche market that values freshness and upscale experiences.
Understanding who owns Seasons 52 gives insight into how larger restaurant groups manage multiple brands and cater to various customer preferences under one corporate umbrella.
FAQs
Who owns Seasons 52 restaurant?
Seasons 52 is owned by Darden Restaurants, Inc., a major American multi-brand restaurant operator headquartered in Orlando, Florida. Darden developed and launched Seasons 52 in 2003 as an original brand. It is fully company-owned and operated—there are no franchise locations. Strategic direction and brand oversight are handled by Darden’s corporate leadership.
What is Seasons 52?
Seasons 52 is an upscale casual dining restaurant chain focused on offering seasonally inspired, health-conscious dishes. Each item on the menu is designed to be under 595 calories and is made using fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant also features an extensive wine list, handcrafted cocktails, and a stylish, modern dining atmosphere. Its name reflects its core concept: seasonal menu changes and 52 weeks of freshness throughout the year.
How many Seasons 52 restaurants are there?
As of 2025, there are approximately 40 to 43 Seasons 52 locations across the United States. The brand operates in select metropolitan areas, high-income suburbs, and premium retail districts. Each location is company-owned and carefully selected to reflect the brand’s upscale positioning.
How often does Seasons 52 change menu?
Seasons 52 changes its menu four times a year, in alignment with the seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. These quarterly updates introduce new dishes based on what is fresh and in-season. The wine list and cocktail offerings are also updated regularly to complement seasonal flavors and ingredients.
Does Seasons 52 have a lunch menu?
Yes, Seasons 52 offers a dedicated lunch menu at most of its locations. The lunch selection typically includes lighter portions of popular dinner items, flatbreads, sandwiches, seasonal soups, entrée salads, and lunch-specific features. Lunch hours and menu items may vary slightly by location, but the focus remains on freshness, quality, and calorie-conscious options.
Who founded Seasons 52?
Seasons 52 was founded by Darden Restaurants in 2003 as an original concept developed internally.
Is Seasons 52 owned by Olive Garden?
No. Seasons 52 and Olive Garden are both owned by Darden Restaurants, but they are separate brands with distinct menus and target audiences.
How many Seasons 52 locations are there?
As of 2025, there are more than 40 Seasons 52 locations across the United States.
Is Seasons 52 a franchise?
No. Seasons 52 is company-owned and operated by Darden Restaurants. It is not available for franchising.
What makes Seasons 52 unique?
Seasons 52 offers a seasonal menu with no dish exceeding 595 calories. It pairs fresh ingredients with an extensive wine list curated by in-house sommeliers.