Darden Restaurants Selects Kitchen Technology Solutions from QSR Automations; Successful Implementation of QSR Kitchen System at All Smokey Bones Locations Helps Fuel Darden's Decision.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- QSR Automations, Inc.(TM), a leading provider of innovative automation technology for the hospitality industry worldwide, has been selected as a kitchen technology provider by Darden Restaurants, Inc.(R). Owner and operator of more than 1,300 Red Lobster(R), Olive Garden(R), Bahama Breeze(R), Seasons 52(R), and Smokey Bones Barbeque & Grill(R) restaurants, Darden is already using QSR's ePic(TM) Kitchen Management Solution - including the ePic Kitchen Display Software (KDS) and ePic video controllers with the KP-3000(TM) keypads - in all of its Smokey Bones locations.

QSR's comprehensive product lines offer flexible kitchen solutions for every hospitality environment. Darden selected a combination of QSR's ePic solution and ConnectSmart(TM) Hospitality Automation Solution, choosing the eXpert(R) hospitality controller with the KP-3000 to power the ePic KDS. By installing eXpert controllers, Darden can ensure a future path to multi-media capabilities as well as graphical kitchen software.

"Darden is a company that believes in leveraging technology as a strategic point of difference," said Valerie K. Collins, senior vice president and chief information officer for Darden Restaurants. "We are constantly looking for ways to automate processes in our restaurants that lead to better dining experiences for our guests."

In addition to enhanced support for running graphical software as well as multi-media applications, the eXpert's compact, solid design includes a locking power connector and dual USB, serial, ethernet, video, PS/2, and speaker connections. Highly reliable in harsh hospitality environments, the eXpert provides a distributed architecture for maximum redundancy by running an instance of the kitchen software at each station.

With powerful functionality built specifically to streamline and simplify kitchen operations for table service restaurants, QSR's ePic KDS reduces stress by providing a quieter, more organized production environment. With delay routing, each menu item is routed based on cook times to the specific kitchen station responsible for preparing that item. Every change made at each preparation station is reflected at the expeditor station so that servers and managers can keep track of the status of their orders. Another important advantage over using kitchen printers, speed of service data is displayed in real-time at all kitchen stations and is available for historical reporting. The ePic KDS also offers integrated kitchen alerts, responding to events from the kitchen software and hardware.

"Darden takes pride in serving millions of people each week with their collection of well-loved casual dining concepts, and we have very much appreciated their attention to service throughout our experience with the Smokey Bones restaurants," said Lee Leet, president and chief executive officer of QSR Automations. "We are looking forward to continuing our partnership with Darden, and extending the success of QSR's kitchen technology from Smokey Bones into Darden's other concepts."

About QSR Automations(TM)

QSR Automations(TM) is a leading provider of innovative automation technology for the hospitality industry worldwide. QSR designs and markets advanced software and hardware products - including the ePic(TM) Kitchen Management Solution and ConnectSmart(TM) Hospitality Automation Solution - that enable companies to effectively enhance the productivity of their hospitality business. Since 1996, QSR has helped thousands of quick service and table service restaurants, theaters, and themeparks to make timely and accurate decisions, improve operations, and ensure customer loyalty for optimum profitability. To find out more about QSR and its solutions, visit www.qsrautomations.com, or contact QSR at [e-mail] or 502-297-0221.

About Darden Restaurants

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: DRI), based in Orlando, Florida, employs more than 140,000 people and serves more than five million people each week. The company owns and operates over 1,300 Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze, Smokey Bones Barbeque and Grill, and Seasons 52 restaurants, with annual sales of $5 billion. For more information, please visit www.darden.com.

QSR Automations, Inc., the marks QSR Automations, ePic, ConnectSmart, ConnectSmart Kitchen, eXpert, and KP-3000 are trademarks of QSR Automations, Inc.

All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.