Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Who Said That?

" They aim and shoot right down Middle America. It's about meat and potatoes and ice cold beer. "

-- Brian Connors, a consultant with Fort Lauderdale-based Connors Davis Hospitality

It's been a tough couple of years for chain restaurants, including the ones that peddle T-bones and filet mignon.

Logan's Roadhouse filed for bankruptcy protection last year. Lone Star Steakhouse is shuttering restaurants across the country. Tampa-based Outback Steakhouse, and its parent company, Bloomin' Brands, have been struggling to break the cycle of quarter after quarter of flat sales.

So how is it that a restaurant chain known for its cheap steaks and encouraging its patrons to throw peanut shells on the floor is outperforming so many others in the casual dining category? 

Read more at the Tampa Bay Times.