Parent company recognizes Gainesville Olive Garden manager, others in state

Ten local restaurant managers in Georgia - including one from Gainesville - have been recognized at the national level for achieving parent company Darden Restaurants’ Diamond Club status.

They join a group of top-performing Managing Partners, General Managers and Directors of Operations recognized nationwide this year for their commitment to delivering guest experiences at the highest level, while making a difference in the lives of guests, team members and in their community.

The local managers and directors include:

·         Chris Barto – Managing Partner of the LongHorn Steakhouse in Austell

·         Greg Balogh – General Manager of the Olive Garden in Kennesaw

·         Duncan Fisher  –Director of Operations for LongHorn Steakhouse

·         Tricia France – Managing Partner of the LongHorn Steakhouse in Cartersville

·         Jim Gillison – Managing Partner of the LongHorn Steakhouse in Johns Creek

·         Leslie Godfrey – Managing Partner of the LongHorn Steakhouse in Canton

·         Kayla LaPerriere – General Manager of Olive Garden in Gainesville

·         Lyn McCracken – General Manager of the Olive Garden in Buford

·         Steven McKinney – General Manager of Olive Garden in Augusta

·         Dave Zehner – Director of Operations for LongHorn Steakhouse

These award recipients join an elite group of just 106 leaders recognized this year from the more than 1,500+ Darden restaurant managers in North America.