LongHorn Steakhouse competes with Outback and Texas Roadhouse 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.

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

“It’s not about cheap food — it’s about feeling rewarded for spending my money.” — Real Upside user from Orlando

Who’s winning and why

Among surveyed diners, Texas Roadhouse leads in both visitation (65%) and brand preference (39%), while LongHorn and Outback both saw 42% visitation. 

For LongHorn, 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.

How Upside helps LongHorn 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 LongHorn over Outback or Texas Roadhouse. The offers are personalized and invisible to others, protecting LongHorn’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, LongHorn can see exactly how many visits, dollars, and margins were earned — not guessed.

Incremental growth without the promo wars

Upside doesn’t just drive traffic — it ensures that traffic is profitable for your business. Our personalized offers help LongHorn:

• Capture share from competitors, profitably 
• Turn new and lapsed diners into repeat guests
• Quantify every visit and dollar earned

In a category where value and experience sometimes feel interchangeable, cash back becomes the differentiator that wins the next visit, and the next guest.

Learn more about how Upside’s personalized offers can become your best weapon.