Outback Steakhouse competes with LongHorn Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse for the same high-value diners — not occasional visitors, but repeat guests that fuel everyday revenue. These guests are critical in Outback’s path to increased foot traffic and long-term growth.

A recent Upside user survey found that 84% of steakhouse diners visited more than one chain in the past year. These aren’t loyalists; they float between brands based on perceived value. For Outback, winning even one incremental visit can translate into significant revenue.

So, what actually drives choice between brands with similar menu offerings? 

Who’s winning today — and where Outback can take back share

Per Upside’s survey data, steakhouse guests prioritize two things: quality and value. Outback’s leadership has identified these same pillars as central to its strategy — exactly what diners want, and a key priority for strengthening perceived value across the brand. 

Among surveyed diners, Texas Roadhouse leads in both visitation (65%) and brand preference (39%), while Outback holds a strong but pressured position as a higher-priced option. This dynamic creates a meaningful opportunity to re-engage diners who already enjoy the brand but are seeking clearer value for the price.

“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

“I used to go [to a steakhouse] every Friday, but prices keep rising. A few dollars back through an app would make me go again.” — Real Upside user from Orlando

Because multi-brand diners make decisions based on quality and value — not loyalty — Outback’s recent investments in quality, menu simplification, and experience are well positioned to resonate. Personalized value can help more diners experience those improvements, making Outback the preferred choice without changing menu prices.

How Upside helps Outback Steakhouse win the next visit

Upside operates in the “decision gap” between comparable brands — exactly where Outback must win to regain market share. By nudging diners who might otherwise choose a competitor, Upside delivers measurable, incremental visits that support Outback’s goals to grow traffic and gain market share.

Through its digital marketplace, Upside targets guests who need a nudge to choose Outback over LongHorn Steakhouse or Texas Roadhouse. The cash-back offers are personalized and margin-bound — a crucial fit for Outback’s shift away from broad discounts and LTOs.

Because every transaction is tracked through Upside’s test-vs-control incrementality measurement, Outback can see the actual impact on strategic KPIs (sales, frequency, and intent to return).

Incremental growth without re-entering the promo wars

Upside drives profitable traffic without compromising Outback’s operational simplicity and everyday value strategy. Our personalized offers help:

• Capture market share from competitors
• Bring back lapsed guests to experience strategic improvements
• Quantify every visit and dollar earned to measure true ROI 

In a category where value and experience sometimes feel interchangeable, personalized cash back becomes the tie-breaker that elevates perceived value and wins the next visit.

Learn more about how Upside’s personalized, margin-bound offers can help Outback win the Steak Wars, one high-value guest at a time.