In the latest restaurant news, Bloomin’ Brands announced its intention to open a new fast-casual restaurant, Aussie Grill by Outback. The company already owns several restaurant brands such as Bonefish Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, and Outback Steakhouse. Initially founded in Tampa, FL in 1988, Outback Steakhouse has grown to operate 901 locations with $2,576,900,000 in sales, according to CSG’s Restaurant Franchisee Premier Database. Its success has lead Bloomin’ Brands to create a new fast-casual restaurant concept based on its most popular dine-in establishment, Outback Steakhouse.

The first Aussie Grill opened at the end of April at the International Plaza Food Court in Tampa, FL. The opening allows Outback executives to get a feel for how well this concept would work in US markets. The location is roughly 700 sq feet and will focus on providing Outback quality food in a fast and casual setting, allowing customers to order at a counter and take food to their table. Outback plans to focus on growth while keeping production costs down. With a fast-casual approach, franchisees can operate in smaller locations (such as food court locations and strip malls) and without the need of waitstaff to keep operating costs low.

Creating a fresh new concept is a good move for Outback. Though they remain popular with 324 thousand Twitter followers and 207 thousand Instagram follows, the restaurant saw a drop in numbers from last year. Overall, 93 stores closed their doors and the company experienced a 2.30% decrease in sales. Aussie Grill could be just what they need to keep their company fresh. Already, just having opened, Aussie Grill has over 160 Instagram followers proving Tampa natives are eager for Outback Steakhouse’s new fast-food concept of their favorite restaurant.