If you’ve ever heard of Outback Steakhouse – and, like, everyone has – then you know that it’s got a strong Aussie theme.
From the voiceovers in ads with thick Australian accents…
To the branding and decor (“Aussie-tizers”, anyone?)…
Outback definitely leans hard into its Australian theme.
But there’s a big truth about Outback Steakhouse that practically no one talks about.
Which is…
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Outback Steakhouse was founded in Tampa, Florida, in 1988.
Its founders were four friends – all Americans – looking to tap into the American love of all things Australian.
(Today it’s Bluey, but back then it was Crocodile Dundee. If you were around then, you absolutely know what I’m talking about.)
And, well, I don’t think we can even call it “Americanized” Australian food…
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Australians do not (generally?) eat Bloomin’ Onions or Aussie cheese fries.
Their cuisine is mostly Irish and Brisih influenced – so lots of bangers and mash, schnitzel, meat pies, fish and chips, that sort of thing.
(Of course, vegemite is a national treasure, and every Australian I’ve ever talked to has tried kangaroo meat at least once.)
So I think it’s fair to say that Outback doesn’t reflect really any part of an “authentic” Australian culinary experience.
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Which is fine!
I mean, if you like their new Bloomerangs (yes, that’s a combination of “Bloomin’” and “boomerang”) – and, by the way, you should ABSOLUTELY like them, they’re delicious – enjoy away!
Just don’t fly into Sydney and expect to see them. You know?
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Outback is also owned by a huge conglomerate called Bloomin’ Brands. While it’s – obviously – the flagship brand, given the name of the parent company…it’s accompanied by:
– Carrabba’s
– Bonefish Grill
– Fleming’s Steakhouse and Wine Bar
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If you’re older than 30, chances are good you discovered coconut shrimp and the Bloomin’ Onion at Outback.
Along with their steaks and seafood, there are some real timeless classics.
Outback has also had its fair share of misses, too. (Who hasn’t?)
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If you feel like the Outback menu has been changing a lot lately…that’s because it has.
More specifically, Outback has been retiring lots of dishes as it looks to shrink its menu by 15-20% to improve operational efficiency at its restaurants.
Sides have been particularly hard-hit – steamed veggies and their “over-the-top brussels sprouts” are out, at least at my local Outback – but there’ll likely be pain felt across a lot of the menu in the coming months as management tries to turn the ship around.
Meanwhile, their $14.99 meal deal remains quite popular.
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So there you have it – the truth about Outback that practically no one talks about…which is, very simply, that it’s really not at all authentically Australian!
Which is fine! Enjoy the food – it’s delicious.
Just don’t mistake it for the real grub you’ll get Down Under.
What’s your favorite Outback meal? Let us know in the comments!
Follow The Coconut Mama
• For fun lists, healthy living tips, and bar conversation topics, make sure to follow The Coconut Mama. Click here to access The Coconut Mama’s profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!
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