Outback Steakhouse Wins Gold Honors in Restaurants & Institutions “Consumers’ Choice in Chains” Awards

TAMPA, Florida, September 9, 2008 – Outback Steakhouse recently took home the gold in the best steakhouse category in Restaurants & Institutions magazine’s annual Consumers’ Choice in Chains Awards. This is the eighth time that Outback Steakhouse has been recognized in these awards.

“Once again we are honored to be named a top consumer choice among steakhouses,” said Jeff Smith, president of Outback Steakhouse. “We take great pride in this particular award because it means that we are truly delivering a top-quality experience to our guests in all of the most important areas of a dining experience.”

The Restaurants & Institutions annual awards program recognizes restaurants that are selected through a national survey of more than 3,100 restaurant customers. Diners were asked to rate nearly 120 chain restaurants on eight customer satisfaction points: food quality, service, convenience, cleanliness, value, menu variety, atmosphere and reputation. Winners were named in 13 menu categories. This was the 28th year for the presentation of these awards.

About Outback Steakhouse
Renowned for its big, bold flavors, Outback Steakhouse features a menu of juicy USDA Choice steaks, grilled chicken, shrimp and fish, the original Bloomin’ Onion, plus signature drinks, salads and desserts. Only serving the freshest food, all soups, sauces, dressings are created from scratch. At Outback Steakhouse, guests can satisfy all their cravings for great tasting, high quality appetizers, entrees, and desserts.