Bloomin’ Brands Inc. has promoted Pat Hafner to president of Outback Steakhouse, the company said Wednesday.
The Tampa, Fla.-based Bloomin’ said Hafner most recently served as president of the Carrabba’s Italian Grill brand. Bloomin’ also owns Bonefish Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, and the fast-casual Aussie Grill.
In August, Bloomin’ named Michael Spanos to succeed David Deno as CEO.
“Pat is an ‘operator’s operator’ who has held a variety of roles and led special projects at Bloomin’ Brands,” Spanos said in a statement. “He is a guest-centric leader who builds high-capability teams that deliver outstanding business results.”
Hafner’s restaurant career began with Outback Steakhouse as a server and cook. He was promoted to Carrabba’s president in 2022.
He was recognized as Restaurateur of the Year by the New Mexico Restaurant Association in 2014.
Bloomin’ owns and operates more than 1,450 restaurants in 46 states, Guam and 13 countries.
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