If you’ve tried to visit your local Outback Steakhouse recently, you might have found the doors locked and the lights off. The popular steakhouse chain has shut down 41 restaurants across eight states, leaving many wondering what’s happening at their favorite spot for steaks and that famous brown bread. Here’s what’s changing, what it means for you, and whether your local Outback might be next.
Which locations are closing their doors
Eight states have lost Outback locations so far: Pennsylvania, Illinois, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Iowa, Hawaii, and New Hampshire. The biggest shock? Hawaii lost all three of its Outback restaurants, meaning locals and tourists alike can no longer get their steak fix at the chain anywhere in the state.
These weren’t quick-to-fail new spots either – many had been serving their communities since the 1990s. That’s decades of birthday celebrations, graduation dinners, and family nights out that now need new homes. For regular customers, this means finding new special occasion restaurants or driving further to reach the next nearest Outback.
The closings happened suddenly, catching many people off guard. Some customers showed up for dinner only to find locked doors. Others had gift cards they hadn’t used yet. If you’re wondering about your local Outback, it’s worth calling ahead – especially if you haven’t visited in a while.
Regular customers in closed locations report missing not just the food, but the familiar faces of servers they’ve known for years. Many had standing reservations or favorite tables they’d request. Now they’re searching for new spots to build those same connections.
Changes coming to the menu and prices
Even at Outback locations staying open, you’ll notice some changes. New deals are popping up, like a $14.99 three-course meal special. That’s a significant savings compared to ordering items separately, especially for a restaurant known for its steaks.
The menu itself is getting updates too. Some items have been modified to travel better for takeout orders, while others might be available only for dining in. The portion sizes remain the same, but you might see new options designed specifically for eating at home.
Regular customers have mixed feelings about these changes. Some love the new lower-priced options, especially with food prices rising everywhere else. Others worry that cheaper prices might mean lower quality. The restaurant says they’re keeping their standards high while trying to offer better value.
If you’re planning to visit soon, check the current promotions online first. You might find deals that weren’t available last time you visited, especially if it’s been a few months since your last Outback meal.
What to expect from the new restaurant designs
While some Outbacks are closing, new ones are opening with a completely different look. These new restaurants are smaller than the old ones you’re used to, but they’re designed to be more efficient. You’ll find dedicated pickup areas for takeout orders and more modern decor that still keeps that Australian theme.
The new layouts make picking up takeout orders much easier. Instead of weaving through the dining room, you’ll find a separate area just for grabbing your food and heading home. The parking lots even have special spots reserved for pickup orders.
Inside, you’ll notice new technology everywhere. The ordering systems are faster, which means less time waiting for your food. If you’re dining in, the tables turn over more quickly, so you might not have to wait as long for a seat during busy times.
The restaurant’s famous Australian decorations are still there, but they’re more subtle now. Think modern Australian art instead of oversized boomerangs. The dining rooms feel more current while keeping that distinct Outback atmosphere many customers love.
Better options for eating at home
Getting Outback delivered or picking it up to eat at home is becoming easier than ever. The chain has completely changed how they handle takeout orders, making the whole process smoother for customers who prefer eating their steaks at home.
The takeout menu now includes items specifically chosen because they travel well. No more soggy onion petals or lukewarm steaks. The packaging has improved too – foods that need to stay separate actually stay separate now, and hot items remain hot longer.
Mobile ordering has gotten much simpler. The app remembers your favorite orders, saves your payment information securely, and lets you track exactly when your food will be ready. You can even schedule orders in advance for specific pickup times.
For delivery orders, the tracking is more accurate now. You can watch your order’s progress from kitchen to door, and the app provides real-time updates if there are any delays.
New ways to order and pay
Technology changes are making it easier to order and pay at Outback, whether you’re dining in or taking out. New table-side tablets let you order extra items without flagging down your server, and you can pay right at the table when you’re ready to leave.
The restaurant’s app now offers more features than just ordering. You can join the waiting list before you arrive, view real-time wait estimates, and even earn rewards for your visits. Some locations are testing systems where you can order your entire meal through your phone, even when dining in.
Payment options have expanded too. Besides standard credit cards, many locations now accept digital wallets and contactless payments. Some are even testing splitting the bill through the app, making group dinners less complicated.
These changes mean faster service overall. Less time waiting to order, pay, or pick up food means more time enjoying your meal.
Special deals and new promotions
Outback is rolling out more special offers than ever before. Beyond the new three-course meals starting at $14.99, you’ll find weekly specials, lunch deals, and family bundle options that can save you money on your favorite dishes.
The restaurant now offers different specials for dining in versus taking out. Some deals are only available through the app, while others work better for eating at the restaurant. It’s worth checking both before deciding how you want to enjoy your meal.
Happy hour has expanded at many locations, with more food options added to the traditional drink specials. Some restaurants now offer early bird specials too, perfect for those who prefer eating dinner earlier.
The rewards program has improved as well. Points add up faster now, and you can use them for more than just free food. Some locations let you use points for priority seating or to skip the wait during busy times.
What current changes mean for regular customers
If you’re a longtime Outback fan, you’ll notice quite a few changes on your next visit. The good news? Most changes aim to make your experience better, faster, and potentially cheaper than before.
The restaurant’s famous steaks haven’t changed – they’re still using the same quality meat and cooking methods. What has changed is how you can order them, when you can get special deals on them, and how they’re packaged if you’re taking them home.
Regular customers might need to adjust to the new technology, but staff members are ready to help explain the changes. The traditional service with a smile hasn’t gone away – it’s just backed up by better systems now.
For those who loved specific locations that have closed, it’s worth checking out the newer restaurants. While they might look different, the core menu and quality standards remain the same.
Looking ahead at more changes
More changes are coming to Outback restaurants across the country. The company plans to open 40 to 45 new locations in 2024, all featuring the updated design and technology. These new spots will be more convenient for takeout and delivery while still offering the full dine-in experience many customers prefer.
The menu will likely continue evolving, with new items being tested at various locations. Customer feedback plays a big role in deciding which new dishes stay on the menu permanently, so don’t be shy about sharing your opinions.
Technology updates will keep rolling out too. Expect more improvements to the mobile app, easier ways to order and pay, and better systems for managing wait times during busy periods.
While some traditional customers might miss the old-style Outback experience, these changes aim to keep the restaurant relevant and accessible for years to come. The core experience – quality steaks in a casual atmosphere – remains at the heart of what Outback offers.
Despite the closures and changes, Outback Steakhouse continues to serve millions of customers across America. The restaurant’s willingness to adapt while keeping its most popular features suggests it’ll remain a favorite spot for steak lovers. Whether you prefer dining in, taking out, or getting delivery, the changes happening now are designed to make your next Outback meal better than your last.
