Is Outback Steakhouse Australian?
No. Outback was founded in Tampa, Florida in 1988 by Americans, and the Australian theme was a marketing idea built around how Americans pictured the country in the late 1980s.
Who founded Outback?
Outback was started by Chris Sullivan, Bob Basham and Tim Gannon, restaurant veterans who had worked together at Steak and Ale, with Trudy Cooper joining as a partner. They opened the first restaurant in Tampa in 1988 with a simple plan: a casual steakhouse with big flavors and a fun theme.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1988, Tampa, Florida |
| Founders | Chris Sullivan, Bob Basham, Tim Gannon and partner Trudy Cooper |
| Parent company | Bloomin’ Brands, Tampa, Florida |
| Sister brands | Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill |
| US restaurants | Around 660 |
Why an Australian theme?
In the late 1980s Australia was having a moment in American pop culture. Crocodile Dundee had been a huge hit, and Americans associated the country with adventure, friendliness and a laid back attitude. The founders borrowed that image to give the restaurant a personality that set it apart from other steakhouses.
Is any of the food Australian?
Not really. The menu uses Australian sounding names, but the dishes are American casual dining food.
| Menu item | What it really is |
|---|---|
| Bloomin’ Onion | A deep fried, cut onion created by co-founder Tim Gannon, not an Australian dish |
| Aussie Fries | Standard American steak fries |
| Kookaburra Wings | Buffalo style chicken wings |
| Alice Springs Chicken | Grilled chicken with bacon, mushrooms, cheese and honey mustard |
| Chocolate Thunder From Down Under | A brownie sundae |
Who owns Outback today?
Outback is owned by Bloomin’ Brands, a public company based in Tampa that also owns Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Bonefish Grill. The name Bloomin’ Brands is itself a nod to the Bloomin’ Onion. See steak prices, weekly deals and sides on the Outback Steakhouse menu.
Related Questions
Where was the first Outback Steakhouse?
Tampa, Florida, in 1988.
Is Outback owned by an Australian company?
No. Its parent, Bloomin’ Brands, is an American company based in Tampa.
Who invented the Bloomin’ Onion?
Outback co-founder Tim Gannon.
Why does Outback have an Australian theme?
The founders borrowed the popular American image of Australia in the late 1980s, around the time of Crocodile Dundee, to give the brand a fun personality.
Are there Outback restaurants in Australia?
Outback has operated in Australia, but the restaurants struggled because locals did not see the food as Australian.
What other restaurants does Bloomin’ Brands own?
Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Bonefish Grill, among others.
More on Outback
About this guide. USA Food Menu is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with Outback Steakhouse or Bloomin’ Brands. Details come from company history and public reporting. See current prices on the Outback Steakhouse menu.
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