In the battle for the casual steakhouse guest, three brands dominate the conversation: Outback Steakhouse, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Texas Roadhouse. Each competes for the same high-value diner — not the occasional “date-night” visitor, but the regular guest fueling the category’s everyday revenue. 

According to a recent Upside user survey, 84% of steakhouse diners visited more than one chain in the past year. These aren’t loyalists; they’re active, multi-brand diners with real spend potential. Winning them once often translates to repeat visits — and lasting market share.

The question is: what actually drives their choice between brands that many see as interchangeable? 

What diners really value

Steakhouse guests are driven by a mix of quality, value, and experience. When asked to rank what matters most, diners prioritized 1) quality and taste of steak and 2) price for value as their top decision factors.

They’re not chasing flashy promos, but seeking fairness: a meal that feels worth it.

One user said: “Prices have gone up, but portions got smaller. Give us good value again and I’d dine in more often.” — A user from Houston

Another said: “It’s not about cheap food — it’s about feeling rewarded for spending my money.” — A user from Orlando

Who’s winning and why

Among surveyed diners, Texas Roadhouse leads in both visitation (65%) and brand preference (39%). LongHorn and Outback both saw 42% visitation, but fewer respondents named them as their primary brand. 

For Outback, that’s an opportunity. Among multi-brand diners, 70% say quality and value — not loyalty — determine where they dine on any given night. In a parity-driven market, small differences in perceived value can swing a guest’s choice.

The tipping point: Personalized cash back

The survey revealed that 59% of diners would “definitely” or “probably” switch steakhouses for a cash-back offer — and only 6% said they wouldn’t. The ideal threshold? Just 5-10% cash back was enough to meaningfully change behavior.

That insight underscores how small, targeted rewards can serve as a competitive tie-breaker. These aren’t discounts that devalue the brand; they’re rewards that reinforce fairness and appreciation. Guests pay full price, experience Outback’s quality firsthand, and feel rewarded afterward, strengthening satisfaction and repeat intent.

For Bloomin’ Brands, that distinction matters. Personalized cash back aligns perfectly with the company’s pivot away from constant promotions and its focus on consistent, everyday value.

How Upside helps Outback win the next visit

Upside operates in the decision gap between comparable brands — converting undecided diners into measurable, incremental visits. 

Through its digital marketplace, Upside targets guests who need a nudge to choose Outback over LongHorn or Texas Roadhouse. The offers are personalized and invisible to others, protecting Outback’s price integrity while improving perceived value among those most likely to switch.

And because every transaction is tracked through Upside’s test-vs-control incrementality measurement, Bloomin’ can see exactly how many visits, dollars, and margins were earned — not guessed.

Incremental growth without the promo wars

Bloomin’ Brands’ leadership is clear: drive profitable traffic, not just more traffic. Personalized cash-back offers through Upside deliver on that mandate. They help Outback:

• Capture share from competitors without diluting price or brand
• Turn new and lapsed diners into repeat guests
• Quantify every incremental visit and dollar earned

In a category where value and experience feel interchangeable, cash back becomes the differentiator that wins the next visit, and the next guest. Your best weapon isn’t a coupon — it’s a personalized reason to come back.