Known for its Western-inspired atmosphere, hand-cut steaks, grilled specialties, and value-focused menu, LongHorn Steakhouse is a casual dining chain that was founded in Atlanta in Georgia in 1981 and presently has over 600 locations across the United States and internationally. Noted for its signature Flo’s Filet, Outlaw Ribeye, and commitment to quality beef, the brand emphasizes generous portions, attentive service, and rustic ambiance. Part of the Darden Restaurants, the fiscal 2026 expansion strategy for the LongHorn brand includes 25 to 30 new LongHorn restaurants as part of broader portfolio growth and the chain is looking to expand into Canada. Darden has retained Jorge Lizan at Lizan Retail Advisors to source a qualified operating partner to develop the brand in the Canadian market. The company is seeking an experienced operating group with a long-term vision, strong understanding of the Canadian market, and the capability to scale the brand across the region. The average size of the LongHorn Steakhouse full service restaurants is in the 5600 to 5700 square foot range, typically seating over 180 guests and on 1.5-acre sites. In its third quarter that ended in late February 2026, Darden Restaurants reported that the same-restaurant-sales for the LongHorn brand were up 7.2 percent over the previous third quarter.
Lizan Retail Advisors, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, 5th Floor, New York, New York 10036 (Jorge Lizan – 212/991-8576 jorge@lizanretail.com)
Darden Concepts Inc., 1000 Darden Center Dr., PO Box 695011, Orlando, Florida 32837 (407/245-4000 www.longhornsteakhouse.com)