TAMPA Fla. Outback Steakhouse said it has rolled out a trio of entrees as part of its Aussie Days Summer Craves promotion, including a burger made with the chain's signature Bloomin' Onion.
The Bloomin' Burger is made with USDA Choice ground beef, Bloomin' Onion "petals," American cheese, lettuce and tomato. It's served with Bloomin' Onion sauce and a side of Aussie Chips.
The other two items are a BBQ Mixed Grill and a Chargrilled Ribeye. The mixed grill includes baby-back ribs, Gold Coast coconut shrimp and flame grilled chicken with Outback's barbecue sauce. The combo comes with corn on the cob and green beans. The 13- to 14-ounce Chargrilled Ribeye is rubbed with spices and served with grilled asparagus and vanilla bean mashed sweet potatoes topped with a toasted oat and sweet pecan crumble.
Prices vary depending on the market, but average suggested prices are $8.99 for the Bloomin' Burger, $15.99 to $16.99 for the BBQ Mixed Grill and $18.99 to $19.99 for the Chargrilled Ribeye. All three entrees are available at dinner, and the Bloomin' Burger is also served at lunchtime at Outback units that are open for that daypart.
Outback officials indicated in March that the chain would begin a series of LTOs to draw cashed-strapped consumers into its restaurants. Paul Avery, chief operating officer of brand parent OSI Restaurant Partners LLC, said at the time that the chain had never done LTOs.
Outback said it is supporting the Aussie Days summer LTO through a partnership with Walt Disney Pictures and the film "Swing Vote," which hits theaters Aug. 1. Through Sept. 9, diners at Outback who order one of the three new entrees and a Coke product will receive a $5 coupon toward tickets to "Swing Vote" or another Touchstone Pictures/Disney movie. Those customers also will be entered into a sweepstakes for such prizes as a home theater package, movie tickets or Outback gift cards.
OSI operates about 1,400 casual-dining restaurants under the brands Outback, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Roy's, Lee Roy Selmon's, Cheeseburger in Paradise and Blue Coral Seafood & Spirits. The company said last fall it is seeking buyers for its Roy's and Cheeseburger in Paradise concepts.
