On November 2, 2009, the Board of Directors of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (the "Company") increased the number of directors of the Company from 11 to 12, and elected Victoria D. Harker to serve as a director, all effective November 2, 2009, as further described in the press release dated November 2, 2009, 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 also appointed Ms. Harker to serve on its Audit Committee.

The Board determined that, in its judgment, Ms. Harker 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 Ms. Harker was elected or any relationships or related transactions between the Company and Ms. Harker of the type required to be disclosed under applicable Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules. As a non-employee director, Ms. Harker will receive the compensation under the Company's Director Compensation Program described on pages 14-16 of the Company's Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on August 18, 2009, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference.

(d) Exhibits.

Exhibit
Number                                     Description

99            Press Release dated November 2, 2009, entitled "Darden Restaurants,
              Inc. Announces New Board Member."