Is Darden Restaurants a Buy?

Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI) is among the top restaurant stock performers, with shares rallying 280% higher from their March lows. Although sales are still down sharply from pre-pandemic levels, the restaurant operator has managed to maintain profitable operations by cutting costs. Unlike many of its other casual dining peers, Darden had developed a robust off-premises business before the coronavirus lockdowns began, which allowed it to almost seamlessly transition into the carryout and delivery model that became necessary to survive.