Outback Goes Full Aussie

Last month, Tampa, Fla.-based Bloomin’ Brands began testing Aussie Grill by Outback, a new burger- and sandwich-focused eatery, in its hometown. It was the American debut for the concept, which opened units in Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong earlier this year. While those locations have room for in-house seating, the Tampa store (and those that may follow in the U.S.) is a tight 700 sq.ft. Last year, Bloomin’ opened a few express-style Outback-Carrabba’s Italian Grill Express units offering takeout, delivery and catering orders; the company hasn’t yet revealed plans for domestic or international development for the co-branded concept.