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.
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