Outback Steakhouse (or simply Outback) is an Australian-themed Americancasual diningrestaurant chain owned and operated by OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC (OSI). The brand was formed in February 1988 in Tampa, Florida by Robert D. "Bob" Basham, Chris T. Sullivan, Trudy Cooper and Tim Gannon.

 

As of December 31, 2011, OSI owned/operated 669 restaurants domestically and 111 internationally. In addition, they have 153 franchised locations across the world and a joint venture comprising 34 international locations.

 

History

The enterprise, originally called Multi-Venture Partners, Inc., was founded in Florida in 1987 by three partners, Tim Gannon, Bob Basham, and Chris Sullivan, all of whom had experience in the restaurant industry. The first Outback Steakhouse opened in 1988 in Tampa, Florida with Australian decor and American food. Within 15 months, five more restaurants had been opened. The chain passed the 100-restaurant mark in March 1993, having expanded into 15 states.

 

In 1997, Outback entered the South Korean market through a franchise agreement with Aussie Chung Inc. As of 2011, there are 103 Outback Steakhouse locations throughout South Korea.

 

On April 25, 2006, Outback Steakhouse, Inc. changed its name to OSI Restaurant Partners, Inc.

 

On June 14, 2007, OSI Restaurant Partners completed a stock repurchase plan, resulting in the company being privately held.

 

Canadian Outback restaurants opened in 1996. In March 2009, Outback Steakhouse Canada abruptly closed all nine locations in the province of Ontario, citing poor economic conditions. However, two months later, an Outback restaurant reopened in Niagara Falls. Three Outback locations continue to operate in Edmonton, Alberta.

 

Outback Steakhouse's parent company, Bloomin' Brands, completed its initial public offering under NASDAQ symbol BLMN on August 8, 2012.

 

Menu

All of their meat is heavily seasoned; there is a 17 spice blend for the steaks themselves. It fries its food in beef tallow, and uses real butter and heavy cream in many dishes. Burgers are ground from beef tenderloin. Although a number of menu items are grilled, steaks are prepared on a griddle using butter as a heat transfer medium. Many Outback Restaurants[vague] now offer the option to have your steak grilled over an open oak wood flame. These steaks are seasoned with a lighter blend, and butter is not used. This provides a healthier option, while maintaining flavor because of the smoke.

 

Outback's bar selections are highly regionalized. Outback serves Foster's Lager; an Australian brand of beer exported around the world. Other Australian beers often served include: Toohey's New, Boag's, and Coopers Premium Lager, Sparkling Ale, and Pale Ale. Wine selections vary, but often include Australian wineriesYellow Tail, Lindeman's, and Rosemount