Since 2015, GPD has worked with Bloomin’ Brands on several initiatives for Outback Steakhouse including the design and documentation for their exterior remodel program and the development of a high-end prototype and an economical prototype.

Bloomin’ Brands set out to refresh their restaurant design to both resonate with current customers and attract new ones. They also wanted to incorporate design elements that would drive consistency across remodels and new construction.

To do this, our team collaborated with the Outback Marketing team to understand their revised brand standards and use customer insights. We then utilized virtual reality as a design and decision-making tool to fully visualize materials, lighting, layout, and finish options across varying store formats.

The collaboration resulted in a higher-end Outback Steakhouse building called the “P57” that includes upgraded exterior and interior finishes, décor, and lighting and a smaller prototype dubbed “The Joey.” This smaller, more economical prototype includes many of the same P57 quality finishes while also reducing some of the existing inefficiencies.

The success of the new restaurant design has given our team the opportunity to assist with an interior remodel program that will help the existing Outback fleet to mimic the interior look of the new Joey prototype.