Is Outback Steakhouse Australian? The Surprising Answer
No, Outback Steakhouse is not Australian. It is an American restaurant chain that started in Tampa, Florida, in 1988. It only uses an Australian theme, with names like “Aussie” and “Bloomin'” on the menu.
The food is mostly American steakhouse food: steaks, ribs, chicken, burgers and big appetizers.
Who started Outback Steakhouse?
Four friends opened the first Outback in Tampa on March 15, 1988:
- Chris Sullivan
- Bob Basham
- Tim Gannon
- Trudy Cooper
Sullivan, Basham and Gannon had worked at other restaurant chains before. They wanted a casual steakhouse with good prices and a fun feel.
Why does it have an Australian theme?
In the late 1980s, Australia was very popular in the U.S. Movies like Crocodile Dundee were big hits, and people liked the relaxed, outdoorsy image of the Australian “outback.” The founders used that image to make their steakhouse stand out. Reports say none of them had even been to Australia when they opened the first restaurant.
Is the Bloomin’ Onion from Australia?
No. The Bloomin’ Onion is a whole onion cut to open like a flower, then battered and fried. It was created for Outback, not taken from Australian cooking. Today it is the chain’s most famous item. It costs about $11.99 to $13.49 and has about 1,920 calories, so it is best shared.
Outback facts at a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where did it start? | Tampa, Florida, U.S. |
| When? | March 15, 1988 |
| Who owns it? | Bloomin’ Brands |
| Where is it based? | Tampa, Florida |
| Is the food Australian? | No, it is American steakhouse food with Aussie names |
Who owns Outback today?
Outback is owned by Bloomin’ Brands, a company based in Tampa that also runs Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Bonefish Grill. In late 2025, Outback closed some U.S. restaurants as part of a plan to improve the chain. It still has hundreds of locations across the U.S. and in other countries.
Do Australians eat at Outback?
Many Australians who visit the U.S. are surprised by the chain, because the menu does not look like food from home. Dishes like the Bloomin’ Onion and “Aussie Cheese Fries” are American ideas. So if you want real Australian food, Outback is not the place.
What should you order at Outback?
| Item | Typical price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Aussie 3-Course Meal with 6 oz Sirloin | From $15.99 | Varies |
| 6 oz Center-Cut Sirloin | $17.99 to $19.99 | 330 |
| 6 oz Victoria’s Filet Mignon | $29.29 to $30.99 | 470 |
| Bloomin’ Onion | $11.99 to $13.49 | 1,920 |
See all prices on our Outback Steakhouse menu with prices. Comparing steakhouses? Read Texas Roadhouse vs. Outback vs. LongHorn, or see the Texas Roadhouse menu and the LongHorn Steakhouse menu.
Frequently asked questions
Is Outback Steakhouse Australian?
No. Outback Steakhouse is an American chain founded in Tampa, Florida, in 1988. It only uses an Australian theme.
Who founded Outback Steakhouse?
Chris Sullivan, Bob Basham, Tim Gannon and Trudy Cooper opened the first Outback in Tampa on March 15, 1988.
Why is Outback Australian themed?
Australia was very popular in the U.S. in the late 1980s, thanks in part to movies like Crocodile Dundee. The founders used that image to make their steakhouse stand out.
Who owns Outback Steakhouse?
Bloomin’ Brands owns Outback Steakhouse. It also owns Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Bonefish Grill.
Is the Bloomin’ Onion an Australian food?
No. The Bloomin’ Onion was created for Outback and is not a traditional Australian dish.
How much is a Bloomin’ Onion?
A Bloomin’ Onion costs about $11.99 to $13.49 and has about 1,920 calories.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
