LongHorn Steakhouse

LongHorn Steakhouse
Wholly owned subsidiary
Industry Restaurant
Genre Steak house
Founded Atlanta, Georgia
(1981 (1981))
Founder George McKerrow, Jr.
Headquarters 1000 Darden Center Drive
Orlando, Florida, U.S. 32837
Number of locations
 435 (2014)
Area served
 United States, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia
Key people
 Clarence Otis, Jr.
(CEO/Chairman of Darden)
Products Steaks, Chicken, Burgers Salads
Parent Darden Restaurants, Inc. (formerly operated by Rare Hospitality)
Website longhornsteakhouse.com
Footnotes / references
[1][2]
A LongHorn Steakhouse in Westland, Michigan.

LongHorn Steakhouse is an American casual dining restaurant chain that is owned and operated by Darden Restaurants, Inc., headquartered in Orlando, Florida.[2] As of 2015, LongHorn Steakhouse generated $1.5 billion in sales in its 480 locations. [3]

History

LongHorn Steakhouse was founded in 1981 by George McKerrow, Jr. and his father. McKerrow was a former manager at Victoria Station, a San Francisco based concept with railroad cars used as dining areas that was popular in the US during the 70's and 80's. The first location, originally called LongHorn Steaks Restaurant & Saloon, opened on Peachtree Street in Atlanta, Georgia. It was a former antique store, then an adult entertainment business. The walls were still painted black and some of the booths were divided by recycled black partitions. He filled it with steer heads and western paraphernalia. The LongHorn featured top quality steaks grilled in a butter sauce.

It was across from a very popular restaurant, Harrison's on Peachtree. Harrison's was the favorite hangout of Atlanta Journal and Constitution columnist Ron Hudspeth and Lewis Grizzard. Hudspeth regularly featured quotes from "Pete the barkeep" at Harrison's. Harrison's had a very limited bar menu. So regulars ventured over to the Longhorn for a quality steak after a night of drinking. However, in January 1982, a sudden snow storm that became known as SnowJam 82, trapped the area's commuter population within the city limits and McKerrow offered $1 drinks and menu specials to the stranded motorists. Hudspeth featured it in his column. This helped turn the struggling restaurant around.[4]

By 1990, the franchise expanded further south. It primarily has locations throughout the Eastern United States.[2] It also has a few locations in the Midwest, Southwest, and Puerto Rico.

In August 2007, LongHorn Steakhouse, formerly owned and operated by RARE Hospitality International Inc., was purchased by Darden Restaurants, Inc.[5]

Theme

LongHorn Steakhouse has a Western/Texan theme. Each location is decorated with oil paintings, photos, and selected Western memorabilia that support this theme.

The restaurant is best known for serving various kinds of steak, including its "Flo's Filet".[6] In addition to steak, the menu also includes ribs, chicken, salmon, lobster, shrimp, and salads. Appetizers include their "Texas Tonion" and "Wild West Shrimp"; and side dishes are also served. The restaurant offers a full bar with draft and bottled beer, wine, and several signature margaritas. A lunch menu that includes soups, salads, sandwiches, and hamburgers is available.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "Darden 2011 Annual Report" (PDF). Darden Restaurants, Inc. Retrieved April 12, 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Darden Restaurants, Inc. (May 29, 2011). "FY 2011 10-K". U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Retrieved April 12, 2012.
  3. ↑ "Darden 2015 Annual Report" (PDF).
  4. ↑ "Atlanta's had a hearty appetite for restaurants". Atlanta Business Chronicle. September 22, 2008. Retrieved April 12, 2012.
  5. ↑ Nichola Groom (August 16, 2007). "UPDATE 3-Darden to buy RARE steakhouse chains". Thomson Reuters. Retrieved April 12, 2012.
  6. ↑ "About LongHorn". LongHorn Steakhouse. Retrieved April 12, 2012.
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