Thu Sep 24 08:39:00 -0400 2009

Dow Jones Newswires (New York)

- After signs that casual-dining bounced from summertime lows, investors are looking to Darden Restaurants Inc.’s (DRI) fiscal first- quarter earnings on Tuesday to see if momentum held up.

A residual effect from the cash-for-clunkers program could also affect September sales, says Tom Forte, Telsey Advisory Group analyst. New-car buyers now face the first monthly payments for their cars, which could put a dent in their dining-out budget.

To view the full article, download the PDF here: Dow Jones Newswires, September 24, 2009