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Outback Steakhouse Case Essay

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Outback Steakhouse Case

Synopsis of Case

In 1995, Outback Steakhouse was proclaimed as one of the most successful restaurant chains in the United States. The chain was started by Chris Sullivan, Bob Basham, and Tim Gannon during the 1980s. Prior to starting the Outback Steakhouse chain, Sullivan and Basham were successful franchisees of the Chili’s Restaurant chain. About the same time Gannon played a significant role in several New Orleans restaurant chains. Outback Steakhouse, formerly known as Multi-Venture Partners, was founded in 1987 after Sullivan and Basham sold their Chili’s franchise to fund their venture and they invited Gannon to join. In 1988 the trio opened their first two restaurants in Tampa, Florida.

Together, …show more content…

However, these suppliers currently do not operate internationally thus posing a supply-chain problem for possible expansion into international areas.

Other issues regarding international expansion into other countries also need to be considered including, access to supportive infrastructure, adapting to local culture and trade laws. Competitors within each of these regions will also pose a threat; a deeper analysis of competition within the food service industry utilizing Porter’s Five Forces model is located on the next page.

Industry Analysis

Analysis of Competition Utilizing Porter’s Five Forces:
• Risk of new entry by potential competitors: the risk is very high in the restaurant industry because of the low capital investments required to enter. Outback Steakhouse competes not only with the casual diners but as well as with fast food chains, and even supper markets. Many of the high-end grocery stores offer variety of complete meals. It costs the customer absolutely nothing to switch to a different restaurant; therefore companies in this industry cannot depend on locking in the customers. However, by establishing a brand loyalty customers will return. Established restaurants such as Outback Steakhouse have an advantage with the economies of scale in advertising and purchasing.

• Rivalry among established firms: the restaurant industry is fragmented. There are many companies

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