For a moment in time, steakhouse chains had a dismal outlook. Like the dinosaurs, the concept of a steakhouse seemed to be extinct, or at least it was heading in that direction. Quintessential American strongholds of the ’80s and ’90s—Beefsteak Charlie’s, Steak and Ale, even Bugaboo Creek—all fell victim to the same negative trend of shrinking footprints. If the most legendary steakhouse chains can fall by the wayside, what hope remains for the rest of them?
As it turns out, several steakhouse chains have not only survived but thrived in more recent decades, beating the odds and proving that top-notch steak is still very much on America’s menu. The following steakhouse chains have proven that the business is thriving and that there is plenty of room for growth. Meat lovers should look out for new locations popping up in their neighborhoods and for overall brand recognition to increase in the years to come.
Texas Roadhouse
Contrary to what you might think, Texas Roadhouse was not born in the Lone Star State. In fact, the first Texas Roadhouse opened in Clarksville, Ind., in 1993. Over thirty years later, the casual steakhouse chain has become one of the most recognizable, with over 600 locations in 49 states, from Connecticut to California. That growth is not slowing down anytime soon: the chain has recently announced plans to open dozens of new restaurants in 2024.
Fogo de Chao
Brazilian steakhouses have risen in popularity in recent years, perhaps because the all-you-can-eat trend seems even more appealing in tough economic times. Simply put, if you haven’t seen a Fogo de Chao in your neighborhood by now, that could soon change.
The Brazilian steakhouse chain started in Brazil in 1979, expanding to the United States in 1997. According to Nation’s Restaurant News, Fogo de Chao continues to focus on international expansion, including more locations in the U.S. Customers can expect to find over 20 new churrasco grill locations opening through 2025, including previously announced restaurants opening in Brooklyn, Seattle, D.C., and Orlando.
Outback Steakhouse
Few national steakhouse chains are as recognizable as Outback. Popular for its affordable prices and the Bloomin’ Onion appetizer, Outback seems to have reached its maximum potential for brand recognition and nationwide footprint. The next phase of growth, then, involves thinking outside of the box and bringing a new business model to its locations.
In 2022, it was announced that Outback would bring a “next-gen design” in the form of smaller restaurants and a new interior experience. This plan involves the opening of 75 to 100 new restaurant locations in the U.S., according to a press release from parent company Bloomin’ Brands Inc. The rollout of this expansion seemed slow at first, but Outback picked up some steam in 2024. The steakhouse chain announced it was “on track to nearly triple” new restaurants opening this year, equalling 18 new restaurants nationwide.
LongHorn Steakhouse
Parent company Darden Restaurants, the mega multi-brand restaurant owner behind Olive Garden, Yard House, and LongHorn, announced plans for significant growth in 2023. Its plans were to open nearly 100 new locations across its multiple restaurant brands, including LongHorn Steakhouse. This has been seen in local news outlets reporting on new LongHorn restaurants opening, from Tampa, Fla., to Douglas, Ga.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
According to Restaurant Business, Darden Restaurants acquired Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse for $715 million last year, signaling the potential for rapid expansion. At the time, the upscale steakhouse had 154 locations worldwide. Since the acquisition, Ruth’s Chris has continued to expand, growing in existing markets like Minnesota and Florida.
The Capital Grille
While urban centers may seem like a logical spot to reach the widest customer base, Capital Grille isn’t focusing on those alone. The steakhouse chain has been expanding, but not squarely in the center of America’s most densely-populated areas. Instead, customers have noticed more locations opening up in suburban neighborhoods, like Dedham, Mass. Cities are also a part of the chain’s growth strategy, with a new location coming to Burbank, Calif. and a just-opened restaurant in New York City. Additionally, five new locations are coming this summer, including in Fort Meyers, Fla., Columbus, Ohio, Newtown, Pa., Oklahoma City, and Salem, N.H.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
In the world of upscale steakhouse brands, few are as recognizable as Fleming’s. And the chain is holding solid with growth and new location openings. In fact, David Deno, Chief Executive Officer of parent company Bloomin’ Brands, noted in 2023 that “new restaurant growth is a priority at Fleming’s.” That emphasis on growth has brought several new openings in the past year, including one in Tampa, Fla. as well as in Bergen County, N.J.
