Original Outback Marks 25 Years

The original Outback Steakhouse marked a quarter century last Friday at 3403 Henderson Blvd. in South Tampa, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

True to form, the four founders did not make a big to-do about the 25th anniversary or the spectacular growth of Outback Steakhouse from a restaurant to what the Times described as "an empire."

Founders Chris Sullivan, Bob Basham, Tim Gannon and Trudy Cooper met at the original Outback to pay tribute to the past and celebrate long-time employees.

But they also look toward the future. The fab four not only created a restaurant that is a household name today but have had success developing many other recognizable dining spots.

The Tampa Bay Times notes:

How different are things now? Since 1988, Outback's empire has enveloped Carrabba's Italian Grill, Roy's Hawaiian Fusion, Bonefish Grill, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and, for a while, Lee Roy Selmon's. Basham and Sullivan now have their own rapidly expanding local chains, PDQ and Carmel Cafe and Wine Bar. World of Beer, Red Elephant Cafe and Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza were all founded or expanded by former Outback executives.

These executives could write a volume of books for MBA students on the keys to success in the restaurant industry.