The Florida-based corporation that owns the Seasons 52 restaurant chain has settled a federal lawsuit that alleged job candidates were told the eateries don't hire "old white guys."

Seasons 52 operates 41 restaurants nationally, including locations at NorthPark Center in Dallas and The Shops at Legacy in Plano. It also has two restaurants in Houston.

Darden Restaurants, the chain's owner, agreed to pay $2.85 million to settle the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission lawsuit. In the settlement, Seasons 52 admits no liability and denies the allegations. It will have its hiring practices monitored for three years by an independent law firm.

The EEOC found 254 job applicants who allege age discrimination.

Darden is one of the nation's largest restaurant operators, with brands ranging from Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse to Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen and The Capital Grille. The Fortune 500 company has 1,700 locations.

The Associated Press