How Many LongHorn Steakhouse Restaurants?
LongHorn Steakhouse, owned by Darden Restaurants, has grown into one of the most recognizable steakhouse brands in the United States. As of today, there are over 550 LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants spread across the U.S. and a few international markets. Known for its bold flavors, signature steaks, and Western-themed dining experience, the brand continues to expand steadily. Whether you’re searching for a nearby location or exploring its nationwide presence, understanding how many restaurants exist today highlights the chain’s popularity and consistent growth in the competitive casual dining industry.
History of Longhorn Steakhouse
LongHorn Steakhouse was founded in 1981 in Atlanta. The founder, George McKerrow Jr., opened the first restaurant under the name “LongHorn Steaks Restaurant & Saloon.” In its early days, the restaurant struggled to attract customers and faced financial challenges. A rare snowstorm in Atlanta became a turning point, bringing in stranded travelers and significantly boosting business. Following this unexpected success, the restaurant gained popularity for its quality steaks and Western-themed atmosphere. During the 1980s and 1990s, LongHorn expanded across the southeastern United States. The brand built a strong reputation for bold flavors, consistent quality, and casual dining experience. In 2007, LongHorn Steakhouse was acquired by Darden Restaurants. After the acquisition, the chain experienced rapid growth and expanded nationwide. Today, LongHorn Steakhouse operates hundreds of locations across the United States, making it one of the leading steakhouse chains.
LongHorn Steakhouse Locations by State
LongHorn Steakhouse Growth Timeline
| Year | Locations | Growth Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 Location | First restaurant opened in Atlanta, Georgia |
| 1990 | ~50 Locations | Expansion across the Southeastern U.S. |
| 2000 | ~200 Locations | Broader national presence begins |
| 2007 | — | Acquired by Darden Restaurants, expansion accelerates |
| 2010 | ~350 Locations | Steady nationwide growth |
| 2020 | ~520+ Locations | Strong suburban expansion across the U.S. |
| 2025 | ~596 Locations | Major national presence across the U.S. and territories |
| 2025–2026 | 600+ Locations | Continued expansion with new openings annually |
What Made LongHorn Steakhouse So Popular?
LongHorn Steakhouse became popular due to its consistent focus on high-quality steaks, bold flavors, and a Western-inspired dining experience. Backed by Darden Restaurants, the brand maintained strong food consistency and customer service across all locations in the United States. Its signature menu items, welcoming atmosphere, and affordable steakhouse experience helped it stand out in the competitive casual dining market.
Final Thoughts
LongHorn Steakhouse has grown from a single restaurant in Atlanta into a major steakhouse brand with 600+ locations across the United States. Its steady expansion, consistent food quality, and strong backing from Darden Restaurants have made it a recognizable name in the casual dining industry. From its early beginnings in 1981 to its nationwide presence today, the brand’s journey reflects slow but stable growth, strong customer loyalty, and a focus on suburban expansion. Whether it’s the menu variety, Western-inspired dining experience, or widespread availability, LongHorn Steakhouse continues to maintain its popularity among steak lovers. Overall, its success story shows how consistency and brand identity can turn a single location into a nationwide restaurant chain.