You may have Outback Steakhouse on your list of go-to restaurants when you want to stretch your restaurant budget when dining out with family or friends.But you may be surprised that there are some things you didn’t know about your favorite chain restaurant.
Here are 12 interesting facts about Outback Steakhouse to spark any dinnertime conversation.
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1. It didn’t start in Australia
You can drop the “shrimp on the barbie” accent as Outback Steakhouse didn’t actually originate in the Outback.
The first Outback Steakhouse opened in 1988 in Tampa, Florida, and has been serving customers ever since.
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2. It’s part of a larger restaurant business
Outback Steakhouse is just one of several restaurant chains owned by the Bloomin’ Brands company.
The company also has brands like Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar under its umbrella.
3. Bloomin’ Onions are big deals
The Bloomin’ Onions appetizers at Outback Steakhouse are a big deal for the restaurant chain.
The company sells around eight million Bloomin’ Onions every year, which means about one in every four appetizers ordered at the restaurant is the tasty onion treat, and around eight million pounds of it are consumed every year.
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4. Retirees can save on meals
Show your AARP membership card at Outback Steakhouse and receive a 10% discount on your meal.
There are some restrictions, such as the discount not including alcohol or gratuity, so make sure you know what will be covered if you want the discount.
5. Outback Steakhouse locations aren’t small
It may be easier than you think to get a table for lunch or dinner at Outback Steakhouse.
The typical location for a local Outback Steakhouse is a whopping 6,000 square feet and can seat around 180 customers when it’s full, giving you plenty of space to enjoy a Bloomin’ Onion without a long wait.
6. But they are starting to shrink
While Outback Steakhouse locations might be big, the company is starting to build new locations that are smaller than average.
Outback Steakhouse is making the move to reduce its footprint as more customers decide to try other options like take-out or delivery by making space specifically for non-dine-in orders.
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7. Most states have an Outback Steakhouse
It’s not hard to find an Outback Steakhouse in the U.S. with 44 states having at least one Outback Steakhouse location.
Florida has the most locations with 95 locations. On the other end of the list is Alaska which just has one location for the entire state in Anchorage.
8. It’s not just about steak
The restaurant may be called Outback Steakhouse, but there are plenty of other options if you don’t want a steak.
The restaurant’s menu includes choices like pasta, chicken, salmon, and even lobster tails.
9. You can bundle up a family meal
Outback Steakhouse has a great option for families if you’re trying to save money.
The chain has several Bloomin’ Bundle Meals to choose from for the whole family that include things like meat dishes, salads, sides, and the restaurant’s delicious bread.
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10. Its seasoning is a secret
Outback Steakhouse has a special seasoning just for its steaks, but it’s going to be hard to try to replicate it at home.
The recipe is a secret that even employees who work in its kitchens don’t exactly know. One former employee posted on Reddit that the vague ingredients on its bags for seasoning included “salt, pepper, garlic, and spices.”
11. You can find gluten-free choices
One of the great things about eating at a steakhouse is that steaks are naturally gluten-free so you don’t have to worry if you stick to a gluten-free diet.
Outback Steakhouse also has plenty of gluten-free sides to ensure you can eat around any dietary restrictions.
12. It’s important to remember National Onion Day
Mark your calendars now for National Onion Day in June if you’re a fan of Bloomin’ Onions.
Outback Steakhouse gives out free Bloomin’ Onions every June 27 when you purchase an adult entree.
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Bottom line
Spend some time dining out with family and friends at Outback Steakhouse if you enjoy some delicious food and good company.
It’s also a good idea to make sure you have the best rewards credit cards when you dine out to earn extra points and perks that you can use later to save money. You may be surprised by which additional perks are available as well.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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