NPRC CONGRATULATES DARDEN FOR OLIVE GARDEN/LONGHORN EXPANSION IN PUERTO RICO

April 25, 2012

Mr. Julio F. Suarez

Director, Diversity Outreach

Darden

5900 Lake Ellenor Drive

Orlando, FL

Dear Mr. Suarez,

As the premier civil rights organization representing the voice of the Puerto Rican community, the National Puerto Rican Coalition (NPRC) wishes to congratulate Darden and Restaurant Operators Inc. of Puerto Rico (ROI) for announcing the expansion of Longhorn restaurants and opening the Olive Garden brand in Puerto Rico. The local job market is increasing slowly, so any new job announcements are always welcomed. 

NPRC is very interested in the corporate social responsibility vision of the new expansion.  We are specifically interested on the local philanthropic investment of the venture. Puerto Rico is a very profitable market for many corporations, so NPRC wants to make certain that the revenue expectations of your company are accompanied with market reciprocity in local philanthropy.  We understand the business structure of franchises and its dynamics. Other corporations like McDonald’s, Burger King, Macy’s, and Miller Coors also operate with similar business structure nevertheless mainland based corporations are ultimately responsible for their brand image and corporate social responsibility implementations.  

We hope that Darden and ROI accept our invitation to meet so we can engage in productive dialogue around this very important issue. If the current venture has not built their philanthropic investment plan yet, we can serve as a partner in designing an integrative plan that the local and national Puerto Rican consumer will praise and the company can highlight as a best practice. In addition, we would also like to have an open dialogue around social investment of mainland based Puerto Rican serving organizations. With close to 900,000 Puerto Ricans in the state of Florida alone and growing, it would be advantageous for Darden to support key effective organization that are providing much needed services to our community in cities like Orlando, Miami, New York, Hartford, and New Jersey.

Sincerely,

Rafael A. Fantauzzi                                                   

President & CEO