Cheddar’s Casual Cafe

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, initially known as Cheddar’s Casual Cafe, was founded in 1979 by Aubrey Good and Doug Rogers in Arlington, Texas. The restaurant quickly gained popularity with its commitment to serving comfort food made from scratch, a concept that resonated well with diners. By 1995, Cheddar’s had grown to 10 locations, and by 2003, it operated 42 restaurants across 13 states, demonstrating a careful yet ambitious growth strategy.

In 2015, the brand underwent a significant rebranding from Cheddar’s Casual Cafe to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. This change was intended to highlight its dedication to preparing meals from scratch with high-quality ingredients, reinforcing its market position and supporting further expansion. A pivotal moment came in 2017 when Darden Restaurants, a major player in the U.S. restaurant industry, acquired Cheddar’s for $780 million. This acquisition placed Cheddar’s alongside well-known brands like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse.

As of January 2024, Cheddar’s operates 185 locations across 28 states, employing approximately 23,000 people and generating an annual revenue of $751 million. The brand is particularly strong in the South and Midwest, with a focus on suburban and secondary markets. Cheddar’s continues to expand selectively, guided by Darden’s expertise in site selection and capital resources. The company prioritizes new builds and conversions in high-traffic retail areas, especially those that are family-oriented.

For commercial real estate professionals, Cheddar’s presents a reliable and attractive tenant. Its scratch kitchen format, operational stability, and strategic growth under Darden’s umbrella make it a valuable anchor or co-tenant in retail developments. With a disciplined approach to site selection and the backing of a strong parent company, Cheddar’s remains a sought-after choice for landlords and brokers looking for dependable, traffic-generating restaurant concepts.