On November 3, 2008, the Board of Directors of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (the "Company") increased the number of directors of the Company from 11 to 12, and elected Christopher J. (CJ) Fraleigh to serve as a director, all effective November 3, 2008, as further described in the press release dated November 3, 2008, entitled "Darden Restaurants, Inc. Announces New Board Member," a copy of which is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

The Board determined that, in its judgment, Mr. Fraleigh satisfies the requirements for "independence" set forth in the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines and the applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange. There were no arrangements or understandings pursuant to which Mr. Fraleigh was elected or any relationships or related transactions between the Company and Mr. Fraleigh of the type required to be disclosed under applicable Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules. The Board has not yet determined the committees of the Board to which Mr. Fraleigh will be named. As a non-employee director, Mr. Fraleigh will receive the compensation under the Company's Director Compensation Program described on pages 24-25 of the Company's Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on August 4, 2008, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference.

(d) Exhibits.

Exhibit
Number     Description
99         Press Release dated November 3, 2008, entitled "Darden Restaurants, Inc.
           Announces New Board Member."