Established
1988
Franchise Units
700
Minimum Investment
$2,500,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$5,000,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Outback Steakhouse franchise represents one of the most recognizable and enduring casual dining steakhouse brands in the United States. Known for its bold flavors, hearty portions, and unmistakable Australian-inspired theme, Outback Steakhouse has carved out a powerful position in the competitive full-service restaurant segment.
From its iconic Bloomin’ Onion to its premium steaks, ribs, and seafood offerings, the brand has consistently delivered a dining experience that balances quality, comfort, and value. Outback Steakhouse appeals to a broad demographic—families, professionals, and group diners—making it a resilient concept even during shifting economic cycles.
For experienced restaurant operators and multi-unit investors, the Outback Steakhouse franchise offers the opportunity to align with a globally recognized brand backed by decades of operational expertise, robust supply chains, and proven systems. Its strong brand equity, standardized processes, and national marketing presence position it as a compelling investment within the U.S. casual dining industry.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in an Outback Steakhouse franchise provides access to a time-tested business model with strong consumer awareness and consistent traffic generation. Key reasons investors are drawn to this opportunity include:
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Powerful Brand Recognition: Outback Steakhouse is a household name across the U.S., reducing the time and cost needed to build customer trust in new markets.
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Proven Casual Dining Model: The concept has thrived for decades, adapting menus and operations to meet changing consumer preferences while maintaining its core identity.
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High Average Ticket Size: As a full-service steakhouse, Outback benefits from higher per-guest spending compared to quick-service and fast-casual concepts.
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Menu Versatility: Steaks, chicken, seafood, burgers, appetizers, and alcoholic beverages create multiple revenue streams and appeal to diverse diners.
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Strong Corporate Support: Franchisees benefit from established systems, supply chain efficiencies, and national marketing initiatives.
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Scalability: The model is well-suited for experienced operators looking to develop multiple locations within defined territories.
Background
Outback Steakhouse is one of the most established and recognizable names in the U.S. casual dining steakhouse segment, built on a foundation of bold flavors, generous portions, and a relaxed, approachable dining experience.
Established Year
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Founded: 1988
Founders
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Chris T. Sullivan
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Robert D. Basham
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Timothy Gannon
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Trudy Cooper
The founders launched Outback Steakhouse in Tampa, Florida, with a vision to create a steak-focused restaurant that combined premium-quality food with a fun, informal atmosphere inspired by Australian themes.
Brand Journey & Company History
Outback Steakhouse began as a single-location concept and quickly gained popularity due to its distinctive menu, consistent quality, and strong value proposition. Signature items like the Bloomin’ Onion and seasoned steaks helped the brand stand out in an increasingly competitive restaurant landscape.
Rapid expansion followed throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, positioning Outback Steakhouse as a national leader in casual dining. The brand successfully scaled its operations while maintaining standardized systems, supply-chain efficiencies, and strong training programs—key factors behind its long-term stability.
Ownership & Corporate Structure
Outback Steakhouse operates under Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., a publicly traded restaurant company that also owns other major dining brands. This corporate backing provides financial strength, operational discipline, and ongoing investment in brand development, technology, and innovation.
Franchise Active Units
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700+ active locations across the United States
This extensive footprint demonstrates the brand’s maturity, market acceptance, and sustained demand in both suburban and urban markets.
Market Presence in the USA
Outback Steakhouse maintains a strong presence nationwide, with restaurants located in high-traffic retail corridors, suburban centers, and major metropolitan areas. The brand appeals to a wide demographic, including families, professionals, and group diners, making it resilient across economic cycles.
Industry Category
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Industry: Casual Dining / Full-Service Restaurant
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Segment: Steakhouse & Grill
Support Training
Outback Steakhouse offers a comprehensive support framework designed to help franchisees operate efficiently from day one and sustain long-term performance.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and market analysis
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Restaurant design, layout planning, and construction specifications
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Assistance with vendor sourcing and equipment procurement
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Pre-opening marketing and launch strategy development
Training Programs
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Extensive initial training for owners, managers, and key staff
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Hands-on operational training covering kitchen execution, food safety, and service standards
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Management and leadership development programs
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Ongoing education to support menu updates and system enhancements
Operational Support
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Standardized operating procedures and systems
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Access to centralized supply chain and purchasing programs
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Quality assurance audits and performance benchmarking
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Technology platforms for inventory, scheduling, and reporting
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and regional advertising campaigns
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Brand positioning and promotional strategy development
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Menu innovation and limited-time offers
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Guidance on local store marketing initiatives
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Outback Steakhouse franchisee is a seasoned entrepreneur or restaurant operator with strong leadership skills and the financial capacity to support a large-format, full-service restaurant.
Preferred Attributes:
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Prior experience in restaurant operations, hospitality, or multi-unit management
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Strong understanding of labor management, food cost control, and guest service
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Hands-on leadership style with the ability to build and retain high-performing teams
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Commitment to brand standards and operational excellence
Investment Capability:
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Ability to meet high initial capital requirements
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Adequate liquidity to support development and early operations
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Willingness to develop one or multiple locations over time
Location Preference:
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High-traffic suburban or urban trade areas
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Markets with strong demographics for casual dining and family dining
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Details (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $2,500,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $1,000,000+ |
| Net Worth Requirement | $2,000,000+ |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| Restaurant Size | Approx. 6,000 – 7,500 sq. ft. |
| Build-Out & Infrastructure Cost | $1,800,000 – $3,500,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment & Fixtures | $500,000 – $900,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $200,000 – $400,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~4% – 6% of gross sales |
| National Advertising Fund | ~3% – 4% of gross sales |
| Local Marketing Spend | As required by brand standards |
| Average Unit Volume (AUV) | Strong vs. casual dining peers |
| Expected ROI | Market & operator dependent |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 3 – 5 years |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-in, bar & beverages, catering, takeout, delivery |