Guy Villavaso and Larry Foles, co-founders of Eddie V’s restaurants, announced an agreement to sell their eight Eddie V’s and three Wildfish restaurants to Darden Restaurants Inc., the world’s largest full-service restaurant company that includes well-known chains like Red Lobster, Olive Garden and Bahama Breeze. “This is an opportunity we could not pass up,” said Foles. “In a highly competitive industry, we found that one of the most successful restaurant companies in the world wanted to grow Eddie V’s and Wildfish restaurants to their fullest potential.” Villavaso and Foles have agreed to close the sale by the end of the year, and both will serve as consultants for the restaurants over the next two years. In the meantime, Villavaso and Foles will shift their focus solely on the development of four Roaring Fork restaurants in Texas and Arizona, a rugged Old West-style restaurant featuring wood-fired cooking and bold American cuisine, which was not included as part of the sale. “It is really a culmination of a dream since opening our first Eddie V’s in 2000,” said Villavaso. “We have always believed that through a commitment to excellence in our staff and the guest experience, we could create the finest seafood restaurant. Darden agreed and this partnership will take it to the next level.” Villavaso said the quality of the brand, excellence of the employees and dining experience will not change from the transition. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is located at 1270 Prospect St. For more information or to make a reservation, call (858) 459-5500 or visit www.eddiev.com.