Business

Free breadsticks and reasons for hope at Olive Garden

Published

5 years ago

March 25, 2021

The company that runs the Olive Garden chain is raising pay for its workers and handing out one-time bonuses, a sign of optimism from the kind of casual sit-down restaurant that has been devastated by the pandemic.

Darden Restaurants said Thursday that every hourly restaurant worker will earn at least $10 per hour including tips as of Monday. That will rise to $11 per hour in 2022 and $12 per hour in 2023.

Darden, which also runs LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and other chains, said it will spend an additional $17 million one-time bonuses for its nearly 90,000 hourly employees. Workers will receive between $100 and $300 depending on how many hours they work each week.

The company on Thursday reported a surprisingly strong quarter and the pay hikes signal both confidence about an economic recovery and potentially increased competition for workers as the U.S. emerges from the pandemic.

A year ago this month, Darden closed all of its dining rooms. Casual dining chains were especially hard hit because unlike pizza places or fast foot chains, they had neither drive up windows nor well-established delivery service to offset the loss of business due to pandemic restrictions.

At one point, same-store sales at Darden, a key reading in retail for the health of a company, plunged 75%.

About 99% of Darden’s dining rooms have since re-opened with at least partial capacity. The rapid vaccine rollout and stimulus checks are fueling sales this year. For the week ending March 21, same-store sales for the Orlando, Florida, company rose 5% compared with the same period in 2019.

About a third of Darden’s sales still come from carryout orders, but the company expects that to shift back to the dining room as more people are vaccinated and the economy recovers.

In the fiscal third quarter, which ended Feb. 28, Darden’s sales fell 26% to $1.73 billion, better than the $1.6 billion Wall Street had expected, according to FactSet.

The company’s net income fell 44% to $128.7 million, or 98 cents per share. That easily beat the 70 cents analysts had forecast.

Darden shares rose 4% to $139.64 Thursday.

Darden said its average hourly worker already makes $17 per hour. But some currently make the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, so the raise will ensure that all workers make at least $10 per hour.

“Continuing to attract and retain the best talent in the industry will be critical to our success,” Chairman and CEO Gene Lee said in a letter to employees.

Business

PR Veteran Dina Allende Closes Boutique Agency After 25 Years, Joins United Way Miami

Published

5 days ago

March 2, 2026

FNN NEWS

MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — After 25 years leading her own boutique public relations firm, veteran communications strategist Dina Allende has announced the closure of Clique PR and her transition to a full-time leadership role with United Way Miami.

Allende now serves as Associate Director of Communications at United Way Miami, joining the organization as it continues its century-long mission supporting Miami-Dade County through initiatives focused on education, health and financial stability.

Clique PR was founded in the months following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks — a period Allende described as both uncertain and transformative. The firm grew into a respected boutique agency representing clients across arts, entertainment, tourism and international business sectors.

Before launching her agency, Allende built her communications foundation with respected institutions including WPBT, Walt Disney World and Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

Through Clique PR, she represented high-profile events and organizations such as the Miami International Boat Show, Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Miami International Film Festival, the Latin America and Caribbean Air Transport Association, and INCAE during a Central American Presidential Summit where she saw Barack Obama in person.

Additional clients included Regulator Marine, Loud And Live and Sonesta Resorts in South Florida. She also collaborated on signature cultural events including Grovetoberfest, Wynwood Life and House of Horror Haunted Carnaval.

Among the most memorable milestones in her career, Allende handled publicity for 14th Dalai Lama, receiving a personal blessing she describes as unforgettable. She also worked alongside Miami New Drama Artistic Director Michel Hausmann and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz to help expand the reach of theatrical storytelling in South Florida.

Allende said the most meaningful part of her 25-year career has been the professional relationships and friendships built along the way.

“Closing Clique PR is not a step away from purpose. It is a step toward a deeper commitment to it,” Allende said.

United Way Miami, which recently marked 100 years of service, focuses on strengthening the community through strategic investments that expand educational opportunities, improve health outcomes and promote financial stability for families.

“United Way Miami’s mission aligns fully with what has always driven me — connecting people, elevating stories and helping meaningful work reach the audiences it deserves,” she said.

Allende expressed gratitude to the colleagues, journalists, collaborators and clients who supported her throughout her career, saying her next chapter is built on the foundation created over the past quarter century.

“This next chapter is possible because of all we have built together,” she said.

Business

2026 PGA Show Takes Over Orange County Convention Center

Published

1 month ago

January 23, 2026

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Florida National News is on site all week covering the 2026 PGA Show as it takes over the Orange County Convention Center, transforming Orlando into the global epicenter of the golf industry.

The annual event draws thousands of industry professionals, athletes, media, and golf enthusiasts from around the world to preview the latest innovations shaping the future of the sport.

Global Golf Industry Converges in Orlando

The PGA Show brings together exhibitors and attendees from across the globe, showcasing cutting-edge golf equipment, apparel, technology, and services. From club manufacturers and gear designers to course operators and teaching professionals, the show serves as a central meeting point for every sector of the golf world.

Attetion, Technology, and Interactive Experiences

This year’s PGA Show features immersive activations, including state-of-the-art golf simulators, interactive training tools, and expanded indoor and outdoor driving range experiences. Technology continues to play a major role, with advancements in swing analytics, performance tracking, and course management on full display.

The show floor also highlights sustainability efforts and innovations aimed at growing the game for future generations.

Florida National News Provides Front-Row Coverage

Florida National News will deliver comprehensive coverage throughout the week, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access, exhibitor highlights, and firsthand looks at the products and experiences defining the next era of golf.

Readers can follow along for daily updates, photos, and feature stories straight from the heart of the PGA Show

________________________________________________________

– Todd Grasley and J Willie David, III contribute to this report.
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

Business

2025 Don Quijote Awards Program: A Keepsake for Event Attendees

Published

3 months ago

December 22, 2025

Willie David

Florida National News Vice President Jenny Rosario showcase a ads inside of the 2025 Don Quijote Awards Program Booklet

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Inside the official event program booklet, attendees will find the powerful presence of premier media partner Florida National News, whose coverage team of reporters, photographers, videographers and social media journalists captures the very best of the annual awards gala.

From high-fashion red carpet arrivals and VIP guests to cocktail networking, exquisite dining, live musical performances, dynamic emcees, presenters, sponsors, finalists, honorees and winners—Florida National News amplifies every unforgettable moment of the prestigious 2025 Don Quijote Awards Gala.

Hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and Prospera, and powered by Diamond Sponsor Disney along with numerous supporting sponsors, the gala takes place at EPCOT’s World ShowPlace Pavilion. Through comprehensive, high-impact coverage, Florida National News elevates the awards gala experience—before, during and long after the final applause.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III and Jenny Rosario | Corporate Partners and Events | Florida National News
– News@FloridaNationalNews.com