LongHorn Steakhouse is a popular American casual dining restaurant known for its expertly grilled steaks and Western-style atmosphere. If you’re wondering who owns LongHorn Steakhouse, the answer ties back to one of the largest restaurant companies in the world.
LongHorn Steakhouse Company Profile
LongHorn Steakhouse is a casual dining restaurant chain specializing in grilled steaks, burgers, chicken, and other American fare. It is known for its Western-themed ambiance, rustic decor, and bold flavor profiles. LongHorn targets middle-income diners looking for a premium steakhouse experience at affordable prices. Its slogan, “You Can’t Fake Steak,” reflects its focus on quality and authenticity.
The chain operates over 560 locations across the United States. It is fully owned and operated by Darden Restaurants, Inc., a leading multi-brand restaurant operator in North America.
LongHorn Steakhouse’s menu features a wide variety of beef cuts, including sirloin, ribeye, porterhouse, and filet, often served with seasoned crusts or specialty toppings. The brand has built its reputation on consistency, generous portions, and a rugged, down-to-earth dining experience.
Founders of LongHorn Steakhouse
LongHorn Steakhouse was founded in 1981 by George McKerrow Jr. and his business partner Brian (last name publicly less known). The first restaurant was called LongHorn Steaks Restaurant & Saloon and opened on Peachtree Street in Atlanta, Georgia.
George McKerrow Jr. was a seasoned restaurateur who envisioned a casual dining spot with a Western twist. The original location was modest, but McKerrow’s focus on flavorful grilled steaks and a relaxed environment helped it gain traction.
Major Milestones in LongHorn Steakhouse’s History
1981 – First LongHorn opens
The first LongHorn Steakhouse opened in Atlanta, Georgia. It featured a Western saloon-style design with steer horns, cowboy boots, and saddles as decor.
1982 – Unexpected publicity boost
A snowstorm in Atlanta stranded commuters near the restaurant. The founders offered $1 drinks, which drew in large crowds. This event gave the restaurant valuable exposure and jumpstarted its popularity.
Late 1980s – Early expansion
Due to increasing customer demand, LongHorn expanded steadily throughout the Southeastern United States.
1996 – Becomes part of RARE Hospitality
LongHorn grew into a major brand under its parent company, RARE Hospitality International, Inc., which also developed The Capital Grille.
2000s – Rapid growth
LongHorn expanded into new U.S. markets, bringing its brand to the Midwest, Southwest, and East Coast.
2007 – Acquired by Darden Restaurants
Darden Restaurants purchased RARE Hospitality for approximately $1.4 billion, bringing LongHorn and The Capital Grille under its ownership. This acquisition allowed LongHorn to scale up nationally.
2010s – Menu innovation and national expansion
LongHorn continued to add chef-inspired dishes and seasonal specials. It also expanded its footprint into nearly every U.S. state.
2020s – Digital growth and off-premises sales
The brand adapted to changing consumer habits with online ordering, curbside pickup, and digital marketing campaigns to remain competitive post-pandemic.
Who Owns LongHorn Steakhouse in 2025?
LongHorn Steakhouse is a wholly owned subsidiary of Darden Restaurants, Inc., a publicly traded American company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker DRI. It is not an independent or franchised brand. All LongHorn locations are owned and operated directly by Darden, which controls all aspects of the brand, including operations, marketing, menu development, and staffing.
LongHorn’s ownership structure is corporate, with no franchisees or independent partners involved in the operation of its restaurants.
Here’s a summary of LongHorn Steakhouse ownership:
- Owned by: Darden Restaurants, Inc.
- Type of Ownership: Fully corporate-owned (no franchising)
- Acquisition: Acquired through Darden’s $1.4 billion purchase of RARE Hospitality International in 2007
- Parent Company Headquarters: Orlando, Florida
- Operational Model: Centralized operations under Darden with brand-specific leadership
- Publicly Traded Parent: Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI)
- Key Shareholders: Vanguard, BlackRock, State Street, and other institutional investors.
Parent Company: Darden Restaurants, Inc.
Darden Restaurants is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world. It owns and operates a diverse portfolio of casual and fine dining brands, including Olive Garden, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze, Eddie V’s, and The Capital Grille.
Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Darden manages more than 1,900 restaurant locations across North America. Its business strategy includes centralizing back-end operations such as procurement, HR, IT, and marketing to reduce costs across its brands—including LongHorn Steakhouse.
Darden focuses on consistency, customer experience, and long-term growth. The company’s ownership of LongHorn has allowed the steakhouse to expand nationally with strong corporate backing and efficient supply chain support.
Acquisition of LongHorn Steakhouse by Darden
The acquisition of LongHorn Steakhouse happened in August 2007, when Darden purchased RARE Hospitality International, Inc., the parent company of LongHorn Steakhouse and The Capital Grille. The deal was valued at approximately $1.4 billion, and it marked one of the most significant acquisitions in Darden’s history.
RARE Hospitality had built LongHorn into a fast-growing brand by the mid-2000s, and Darden saw it as a perfect complement to its existing portfolio. The acquisition allowed Darden to:
- Add a strong steakhouse brand to diversify from its Italian-focused Olive Garden
- Gain an upscale dining brand (The Capital Grille) to enter the fine dining market
- Leverage its resources and infrastructure to scale LongHorn into new regions
After the acquisition, LongHorn became a key mid-market steak option within Darden’s offerings, positioned between casual brands like Olive Garden and upscale brands like The Capital Grille or Eddie V’s.
Post-Acquisition Developments
Since joining Darden, LongHorn Steakhouse has experienced consistent growth in sales, locations, and brand recognition. Darden invested heavily in menu upgrades, operational efficiency, and expansion into untapped geographic areas.
Darden also standardized LongHorn’s design and branding across its locations to improve customer experience and brand recognition. LongHorn was integrated into Darden’s centralized operations, allowing it to benefit from shared technology, procurement, and training programs.
Unlike some other brands that lost their identity after being acquired, LongHorn retained its distinct Western theme, rustic decor, and steakhouse-style hospitality. Darden’s management allowed LongHorn to continue operating with a certain level of brand autonomy while still benefiting from corporate scale.
Institutional Ownership and Control
As a Darden brand, LongHorn Steakhouse is ultimately controlled by Darden’s shareholders. The majority of Darden’s stock is held by large institutional investors such as Vanguard, BlackRock, and State Street, which collectively hold a significant percentage of the company’s equity. These shareholders vote on key issues and elect the Board of Directors, which sets corporate strategy for the entire portfolio, including LongHorn.
However, none of these shareholders directly manage or influence LongHorn Steakhouse on a day-to-day basis. Operational control remains with the executive leadership of Darden and the specific brand management team for LongHorn.
Who is the CEO of LongHorn Steakhouse?
Since LongHorn Steakhouse is a brand under Darden Restaurants, its overall leadership is tied to Darden’s executive team—especially the CEO.
The CEO guiding LongHorn and Darden’s other brands is Rick Cardenas, appointed as President and CEO on May 30, 2022. Together with Darden’s board, he oversees LongHorn’s strategy, operations, and future growth.
A Career Built from the Ground Up
- Early beginnings: Rick started working at age 16 as a busser at Red Lobster, part of the Darden family. He used those earnings to fund his education at the University of Central Florida.
- Roles within Darden: After college, he joined Darden full-time in 1992 as an auditor. He pursued consulting at Bain and Parthenon from 1998 to 2001. He returned to Darden as Director of Corporate Development and later held multiple roles across finance and operations—covering Seasons 52, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and LongHorn itself.
- Senior positions: In 2015, he became Chief Strategy Officer; in 2016, Chief Financial Officer; in January 2021, President & COO; then CEO in May 2022.
Leadership Style & Strategic Vision
Rick’s leadership philosophy emphasizes Darden’s “back-to-basics” operating model—focusing on culinary execution, consistent quality, attentive service, and engaging marketing.
He is known for leveraging centralized resources—supply chain, training, innovation—to support individual brands like LongHorn while maintaining their unique identity.
Performance Highlights Under Cardenas
- In fiscal Q4 2025, LongHorn Steakhouse achieved record guest satisfaction and strong sales, reflecting Rick’s focus on both product quality and operational efficiency.
- Darden expanded digital and off-premise strategies under his leadership, benefiting LongHorn with new menu items like Lemon Garlic Chicken and exclusive cocktails.
Previous CEOs for Context
- Gene Lee (2015–2022): Guided LongHorn’s integration within Darden and boosted brand growth post-acquisition.
- Clarence Otis Jr. (2004–2014): Oversaw the acquisition of RARE Hospitality and deepened Darden’s presence in the steakhouse and fine dining markets.
LongHorn Steakhouse Annual Revenue and Net Worth
As of fiscal year 2025, LongHorn Steakhouse generated an estimated $2.47 billion in annual revenue. This marks a notable increase from the approximately $2.2 billion it earned in 2024. The brand has experienced consistent year-over-year growth in both unit sales and average guest spending. Darden Restaurants, the parent company, reported that LongHorn outpaced several of its sister brands in terms of same-restaurant sales growth. For fiscal Q4 2025 alone, LongHorn delivered a same-store sales growth of 6.7%, higher than Darden’s blended average.
LongHorn’s growth was driven by several key factors. These include menu innovation, such as limited-time steak promotions and seasonal entrées, as well as improvements in off-premise sales through digital ordering and curbside pickup. Operational enhancements like staff training and kitchen optimization also helped increase customer satisfaction and traffic, ultimately boosting revenue.
The restaurant chain now operates more than 560 locations across the United States, and its consistent performance makes it one of Darden’s top revenue-generating brands—second only to Olive Garden. While Darden does not break down exact net income per brand, internal reporting highlights LongHorn as a major contributor to the company’s earnings.
LongHorn Steakhouse Net Worth and Brand Valuation
Although LongHorn Steakhouse is not a standalone public company and thus does not report its own market capitalization, its estimated brand valuation in June 2025 is between $4.2 and $4.5 billion. This valuation is based on industry benchmarks such as revenue multiples used for comparable restaurant chains in the full-service casual dining segment.
Analysts typically apply a 1.7x to 2x revenue multiple for established, growing restaurant brands with stable operating margins. Applying that range to LongHorn’s estimated $2.47 billion revenue in 2025 yields a valuation near the $4.5 billion mark. This valuation reflects not just its strong revenue base, but also its national brand recognition, loyal customer following, efficient operations, and long-term growth potential.
LongHorn’s worth also takes into account its profitability margins, which are higher than average for the casual dining sector due to centralized supply chain advantages under Darden and consistent guest traffic. Its robust digital strategy and strong performance in same-store sales further solidify its market value.
Financial Contribution to Darden
LongHorn represents roughly 20% of Darden Restaurants’ total annual revenue. Its profitability and growth are crucial components of Darden’s consolidated financial performance. While Olive Garden leads in total sales, LongHorn has consistently been one of Darden’s most efficient brands in terms of revenue per location and operational cost management.
Here is an overview of the estimated historical revenue and net worth (brand valuation) of LongHorn Steakhouse for the last 10 years (2016–2025):
| Year | Estimated Revenue (USD Billion) | Estimated Brand Valuation / Net Worth (USD Billion) |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1.60 | 2.60 |
| 2017 | 1.75 | 2.85 |
| 2018 | 1.85 | 3.10 |
| 2019 | 1.95 | 3.30 |
| 2020 | 1.55 | 2.60 (COVID-19 impact) |
| 2021 | 1.90 | 3.10 |
| 2022 | 2.10 | 3.40 |
| 2023 | 2.25 | 3.80 |
| 2024 | 2.20 | 4.00 |
| 2025 | 2.47 | 4.40 |
Brands Owned by LongHorn Steakhouse
As of 2025, LongHorn Steakhouse does not own or operate any independent companies, brands, or subsidiaries of its own. It functions as a wholly owned brand under Darden Restaurants, Inc., and does not franchise or license sub-brands. However, within its operational framework, LongHorn has developed and manages several proprietary service and product elements. These are used exclusively in-house to support its menu innovation, guest experience, and operational efficiency.
Below are the internal programs, in-house innovations, and culinary extensions that define LongHorn’s operational identity:
| Name | Type | Description | Launched/Active Since | Public-Facing? | Ownership Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butcher Cuts Program | Culinary Product Line | Features premium steak selections like Porterhouse, T-Bone, Flo’s Filet. | 2010s | Yes | Fully owned by LongHorn |
| Grill Master Legends™ | Limited-Time Menu Series | Seasonal, chef-inspired entrées with bold flavors. | 2017 | Yes | Fully owned by LongHorn |
| LongHorn To Go | Service Channel | Off-premise dining (takeout/delivery) with exclusive packaging and menus. | 2020 (expanded) | Yes | Fully owned by LongHorn |
| Beverage Program | In-House Bar Offering | Features exclusive drinks like Texas Margaritas and Long Pour Drafts. | 2010s | Yes | Fully owned by LongHorn |
| Culinary & Hospitality Training Division | Internal Operations System | Proprietary employee training for chefs, servers, and managers. | 2000s (modernized) | No | Fully owned by LongHorn |
LongHorn Butcher Cuts Program
The Butcher Cuts Program is LongHorn’s signature culinary strategy. While not a separate brand, it is marketed as a distinct product line within the restaurant. These cuts include premium selections like the LongHorn® Porterhouse, The LongHorn® T-Bone, and the Flo’s Filet®. These steak offerings are aged, hand-trimmed, and seasoned in-house. The branding of these steaks has become a key part of LongHorn’s identity and marketing approach, often used in national advertising and limited-time promotions.
Grill Master Legends™ Series
The Grill Master Legends Series is an exclusive seasonal product initiative created by LongHorn’s culinary development team. These offerings rotate throughout the year and are promoted as chef-driven, bold-flavored meals that reflect LongHorn’s steakhouse heritage. Though not a stand-alone brand, this series serves as a sub-identity within LongHorn’s menu structure and helps the brand introduce limited-time items like Bourbon Glazed Strip Steak or Fire-Grilled Surf & Turf.
LongHorn To Go
LongHorn To Go is LongHorn’s digital and off-premise dining service. It is fully integrated with online ordering, curbside pickup, and delivery through select partners. While it is not spun off as a separate entity, LongHorn To Go operates as a dedicated service channel within the brand. It has grown significantly in recent years due to shifts in consumer dining preferences. It also features exclusive packaging, menu formatting, and a streamlined kitchen process to ensure quality for takeout and delivery customers.
LongHorn Beverage Program
LongHorn Steakhouse also operates a proprietary bar and beverage program that includes private-label wines, signature cocktails, and seasonal drink menus. Items like the Texas Margarita or Long Pour Drafts are exclusive to the restaurant. Although this program is managed internally, it functions like a sub-brand with custom drink names, branded glassware, and targeted promotions.
Internal Culinary and Hospitality Training Division
Though not public-facing, LongHorn has developed its own culinary and hospitality training systems. These are administered internally and tailored to maintain consistency across all 560+ locations. The training platform is part of what gives LongHorn its distinct guest experience. While not legally a brand or subsidiary, it plays a critical role in LongHorn’s operational control and culture.
Conclusion
So, who owns LongHorn Steakhouse?
The answer is Darden Restaurants, Inc., a Fortune 500 company that operates several major restaurant chains. LongHorn is one of Darden’s most successful and fast-growing brands. While individual investors and shareholders don’t control LongHorn directly, their influence on Darden helps guide the brand’s direction.
With its strong backing, LongHorn continues to serve up steakhouse experiences across America, maintaining its roots while growing as part of a global restaurant group.
FAQs
Are LongHorn and Olive Garden owned by the same company?
Yes, both LongHorn Steakhouse and Olive Garden are owned by the same parent company, Darden Restaurants, Inc. Darden is a publicly traded American restaurant group that operates multiple well-known dining brands.
Is LongHorn Steakhouse a Texas company?
No, LongHorn Steakhouse is not a Texas-based company. It was founded in Atlanta, Georgia in 1981. While it embraces a Western and cowboy theme, its headquarters is currently located in Orlando, Florida, under the management of Darden Restaurants.
Who started LongHorn Steakhouse?
George McKerrow Jr. founded LongHorn Steakhouse in 1981. He was a seasoned restaurateur who opened the first location in Atlanta, Georgia, along with a silent business partner.
Who is the founder of LongHorn Steakhouse?
The founder of LongHorn Steakhouse is George McKerrow Jr. He played a key role in establishing the brand’s Western theme and focus on quality grilled steaks.
What company owns LongHorn Steakhouse?
LongHorn Steakhouse is owned by Darden Restaurants, Inc., one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world. Darden acquired LongHorn in 2007 through its purchase of RARE Hospitality International.
Does Darden own LongHorn Steakhouse?
Yes, Darden Restaurants owns LongHorn Steakhouse. It became part of Darden’s brand portfolio in 2007, following the acquisition of its previous parent company.
Where is LongHorn Steakhouse located?
LongHorn Steakhouse operates over 560 locations across the United States. While it was founded in Atlanta, Georgia, its corporate operations are now based in Orlando, Florida, under Darden’s headquarters.
Are the LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants open to public ownership?
LongHorn Steakhouse itself is not directly available for public ownership, as it is not an independent company. However, its parent company, Darden Restaurants, Inc., is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker DRI. Investors can buy shares in Darden to indirectly invest in LongHorn and its sister brands.
Who is LongHorn Steakhouse owned by?
LongHorn Steakhouse is owned by Darden Restaurants, Inc., which acquired it in 2007.
Is LongHorn part of Olive Garden?
Yes, both LongHorn Steakhouse and Olive Garden are owned by the same parent company, Darden Restaurants.
When did Darden buy LongHorn?
Darden Restaurants acquired LongHorn Steakhouse in 2007 when it bought RARE Hospitality International.
Is LongHorn Steakhouse a franchise?
No, LongHorn is not a franchise. All locations are corporate-owned and operated by Darden Restaurants.
How many LongHorn Steakhouse locations are there?
As of 2024, there are more than 560 LongHorn Steakhouse locations across the United States.