Doing good, past $1M

Sometimes, restaurants updating their look has a hidden benefit. As Darden restaurants -- Olive Gardens, Red Lobsters and LongHorn Steakhouses -- have remodeled, starting in 2010, they've donated items to Habitat for Humanity's ReStore resale outlets, and the total has topped $1.2 million in value. The donations are in-kind and range from art and furnishings to hostess stands. About half of the 300 restaurants targeted for update have been done. ReStores sell new and used furnishings and building materials, with proceeds going to help local Habitats fund the building, rehab and repair of homes.

“This partnership is boosting sales at ReStores and providing funds for Habitat for Humanity to serve more families in need of decent, affordable housing," said Larry Gluth, senior vice president of United States and Canada for Habitat for Humanity International, in a press release.