Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 2440231)

Would think a large operation like outback would have standards and inspectors to make sure those standards are met. Guess outback doesn't do that. Sad we used to go regularly

Originally Posted by gorillarick (Post 2440002)

UPDATE from previous post: Finally went to the new location. Deja vu all over again.
Dirty tables everywhere, greasy and dirty floor, slow service from bar - after ordering initial drink, OUT of my top 1, 2, and 3 of preferred beers (had to pay more for a beer I really don't like).
Waitress good, and apologetic.
Service not so slow, but made two mistakes (dangit, I even said I wanted ketchup with my fries). Other side was WRONG.
Steak - slightly under medium rare as ordered (better than charred to death I'll admit).
Steak - humpt. A steak with no taste? Yeah, I ordered it with nothing on it, but it should taste like steak.

Recap: Visited Lady Lake Outback, once a year in 2001 thru 2004. SAME exact modus operandi. Never saw a busboy (girl) - too cheap. Never visited by a manager to be asked how was it dude?
Back to my give-it-another-try next year?
Can you imagine being out of their signature beer. Pathetic.

Originally Posted by CoachKandSportsguy (Post 2440234)

Public companies are always under pressure for earnings, and right now, we have slightly elevated inflation from the recent past, an economy where no one is changing jobs much, house prices which are too high to allow for much upward mobility, and so the disposable income sales sector is taking a small hit.

So its just a more challenging environment for everyone. . . especially the restaurant industry. . .

Originally Posted by Normal (Post 2440358)

Why even go to a steak restaurant unless they are offering a Wagyu Prime or aged cut etc? It’s easier to grill at home and put a potato in the oven. Besides, I can have as much wine or beer as I want.

My point, an exceptional meal makes it worth it. A typical sirloin does not rank there for me.

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2430023)

Steakhouses are fine, but just don't order a steak. I buy USDA Prime steaks at Publix and cook them myself. The only restaurant nearby where I would order a steak is at Ruth Chris near Orlando. All of the other restaurants are trying to sell low quality beef and pass it off as a good steak. That is why they add salt and other seasonings.

Originally Posted by margaretmattson (Post 2440427)

Has anyone noticed the quality of steak is going downhill everywhere? For years, we bought at Publix. Now, all fat and gristle. Went to Sam's Club, the same god awful meat. Ordered from Allen Brothers, a well known restaurant supplier, and received $300 worth of garbage. Most of the time, the steaks we prefer are not available. We now eat roasts. Anyone know where to buy quality steaks?

Originally Posted by Risuli (Post 2440000)

If you are disappointed in Outback, you could try Texas Roadhouse on 441.

Mon-Thurs, before 5pm, they offer a 6 oz. sirloin and two sides for $12.99.

Wed. they offer an 8 oz. sirloin and two sides for $14.99.

Current prices for a fast food burger, fries and a drink make these offers very reasonable.

Originally Posted by margaretmattson (Post 2440427)

Has anyone noticed the quality of steak is going downhill everywhere? For years, we bought at Publix. Now, all fat and gristle. Went to Sam's Club, the same god awful meat. Ordered from Allen Brothers, a well known restaurant supplier, and received $300 worth of garbage. Most of the time, the steaks we prefer are not available. We now eat roasts. Anyone know where to buy quality steaks?