Case study: Outback Goes International

Essay by lilygtranUniversity, Master'sA+, December 2002

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Outback Goes International

Executive Summary

As a conglomerate, Outback must be able to overcome the complexity of expanding into international markets. The company's commitment to continue its fast paced growth will require them to develop a strategy for expansion and operations in different global regions throughout the world. In developing a business strategy, Outback must create guidelines to ensure success in these new and diverse markets abroad.

It is my view that Outback should implement a "Value Creation" strategy that focus on lowering cost and differentiating the product to achieve a competitive advantage. As a result, this will improve the profit making abilities of the company. This will allow the company to expand into many markets while creating value for its company. Outback's distinctive competencies and its unique strengths will allow the company to succeed internationally. By pursuing this strategy, Outback is building on its existing resources and capabilities. International expansion will also formulate and build additional resources and capabilities for the company.

Overview

Chris Sullivan, Bob Basham, and Tim Gannon meet in the early 1970's shortly after they graduated from college. In the 1980's, Sullivan and Basham became successful Franchisees with seventeen Chili's restaurants in Florida and Georgia, while Gannon played significant roles in several New Orleans restaurant chains. In 1987, Sullivan and Basham sold their franchises and Gannon quit his current position. The three entrepreneurs, each with more than twenty years experience in the restaurant industry used the proceeds from the sale of the franchises to start two Outback Steakhouse restaurants in 1988. The opening of the two Outback Steakhouse restaurants was positioned with an Australian theme associated with the adventurous outdoors.

Early financing came from limited partnerships from family, friends and associates. They did not anticipate extensive expansions or franchising. However, in 1990, friends approached the three...