Outback Steakhouse Fun Facts You Probably Didn't Know

Outback Steakhouse is one of the many casual steakhouse chains that has risen to popularity in America. It's best known for, of course, a menu filled with grilled steaks and the iconic Bloomin' Onion. And while you may know that Outback has an Australian theme, there's a lot you probably don't know about the chain.

Outback Steakhouse was founded in Florida

The origin of this popular business isn't Australia — it's Florida. Four veterans of the hospitality industry who dreamt of owning their own restaurant teamed up to found the steakhouse, giving it an Australian theme to stand out. The first Outback Steakhouse opened in March 1988 in Tampa, Florida.

Outback has plenty of room for you and your family

The average size of this steakhouse is 6,000 square feet including the dining room and an island bar. At full capacity, the restaurants can seat approximately 200 guests.

Restaurants are designed to resemble the outback

To really drive home the Australian theme, Outback's interior design features authentic art and imagery to resemble the culture of the Australian Outback, the remote interior of Australia.

Servers have a fun name

Employees working at Outback are known as "Outbackers."

‘No Rule, Just Right’

That's the motto Outback follows. The company's mentality is to take food very seriously without taking themselves too seriously, operating under the premise that nothing stands in the way of pleasing the customer.

Outback’s steak spice blend contains 17 spices

The exact combination of Outback's steak spice blend is a steakhouse secret we may never be able to nail down, but we do know that the 17-spice blend is jammed packed with flavor.

Outback has more than just steak

The menu at Outback isn't only about steak. The chain also offers grilled chicken, salmon and burgers.

There is one regional menu item

In some restaurants in Louisiana and Texas, crawfish are also on the menu.

There are different grilling methods

Depending on the cut of steak you choose, there are different methods by which your steak will be cooked. Steaks are grilled either on a flat-top grill or over an open fire using all-natural oak wood.

Outback’s menu is pork-free in some countries

To adhere to dietary laws, Bloomin' Brands removed all pork from the Outback menu in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Outback’s Bloomin’ Onion is made out of super-colossal onions

Outside of its steaks, Outback is best known for the Bloomin' Onion, a fan-favorite menu item. To create the tasty appetizer, the restaurant uses over 14 million pounds of super-colossal onions per year. Super-colossal onions can grow as big as 4 1/2 inches or bigger, which is twice the size of a medium-sized onion.

The Bloomin’ Onion is crafted by a Bloomologist

Outback's signature appetizer, the Bloomin' Onion, is prepared and cooked by a so-called "Bloomologist" to make sure every dish is well crafted. It is meant to be shared among people and has an average of 200 petals per onion that can be enjoyed with the spicy bloom sauce.

The Bloomin’ Onion is high in calories

Though the dish may look and taste amazing, you should probably avoid ordering the Bloomin' Onion if you're counting calories. It contains 1,950 calories according to Outback Steakhouse's nutritional information. But this tasty appetizer was meant to be shared among people rather than eaten by one person, so come with friends.

Bloomin’ Brands owns other popular restaurants

Outback Steakhouse falls under the Bloomin' Brands umbrella. Other popular Bloomin' Brands restaurants include Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and Aussie Grill.

You can get deals and coupons by joining Dine Rewards

Dine Rewards is a loyalty program you can use to get deals at Bloomin' Brands restaurants. If you spend at least $20 on food or non-alcoholic beverages, you will earn a qualified visit. After three visits within six months, you can receive 50% off, or up to $20 off at Outback Steakhouse and other participating restaurants.

Outback has the longest active bowl sponsorship in history

The Outback Bowl is played every year at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, usually on New Year's Day. Called the Hall of Fame Bowl from 1986 to 1995, it was renamed the Outback Bowl in 1996 and has retained the name since, making it the longest bowl sponsorship in history. The partnership is expected to extend through at least 2026.

It inspired a fast-casual concept

Outback became the inspiration for a new fast-casual brand called Aussie Grill. The restaurant serves sandwiches, large plates, salads, desserts and more. There are only three U.S. locations, all of them in the Tampa, Florida, area.

The company gives back

For the past 25 years, Outback has donated millions of dollars to military men and women through money and food donations. The chain has also helped provide emergency assistance for active troops, veterans and their families through a partnership with Operation Homefront.

Outback pioneered to-go