David George
David (Dave) George joined the Bloomin' Brands Board in January of 2024 and is currently Chair of the Operating Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee.
Mr. George brings over 30 years of leadership experience in the restaurant industry and is deeply familiar with the unique aspects of the casual dining consumer landscape and value creation opportunities. He most recently served as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer at Darden Restaurants, a role he held from January 2018 to August 2020.
Mr. George originally joined Darden in 2007 as a result of Darden’s acquisition of LongHorn Steakhouse as President, LongHorn Steakhouse. Mr. George was named President, Olive Garden in 2013 and Executive Vice President, Darden in 2016. In his various roles, he helped drive significant operational and organizational turnaround initiatives across Darden’s family of brands, establishing a strong track record as a skilled operator and casual dining expert.
Prior to his tenure at Darden, Mr. George served as Senior Vice President, Operations for LongHorn Steakhouse from 2001 to 2003, Vice President, Operations for The Capital Grille from 2000 to 2001, and Regional Vice President Operations North for LongHorn Steakhouse from 1998 to 2000.
Mr. George is a National Trustee for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
He graduated from Michigan State University, where he received a B.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Management and currently serves on the advisory board of the Broad School of Business.
