Outback Steakhouse has circled May 20 as the day Phenix City finally smells sizzling sirloin, and the chain is coming in hot with free appetizers, kids’-meal vouchers, branded swag, and a $5,000 community donation that turns a routine ribbon‑cut into the biggest foodie event Russell County has seen all spring.
The 4,600‑square‑foot build at 3714 Highway 280 seats 187 diners and drops smack between Chipotle and Popeyes, giving locals their first Aussie‑style steakhouse and giving Chili’s, just across the river in Columbus-a serious reason to sweat. Confirmation of every detail landed via the restaurant and was echoed in The Sun’s scoop that Outback aims to own Alabama’s casual-dining buzz this month.
Below is the cheat sheet on what, when, where, and why this grand opening matters:
| Grand‑Opening Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Date / Time | Monday, May 20 – ribbon cutting 10:30 a.m.; doors follow |
| Giveaways (first guests) | Free appetizer cards, Joey Meal vouchers, hats, cups, koozies, sunglasses (while supplies last) |
| Square Footage | 4,600 sq ft |
| Seating Capacity | 187 guests across dining room & bar |
| Jobs Created | ~100 local positions |
| Charity Gift | $5,000 opening‑day proceeds to Freedom Farm Crossroad |
| Décor Highlights | Great Barrier Reef color palette plus art of Lakewood Park waterfall & Chattahoochee River |
| Nearest Competitors | Chili’s (Columbus), Chipotle, Popeyes, Waffle House (same block) |
Why this matters for Phenix City
Until now, steak lovers drove to Columbus or Montgomery for a legit Bloomin’ Onion, but Outback’s arrival in Phenix City means Friday night date spots and family birthdays stay local, keeping wallets in Russell County. The opening injects roughly a hundred paychecks into the labor market and hands Freedom Farm Crossroad and a five-grand boost to help kids and families facing tough breaks. That charitable flex echoes Outback’s recent Pell City launch, another Alabama success that proved smaller towns can drum up big steak volume.
The freebies & how to score them
Outback’s grand-opening playbook is simple: be early. The first wave through the doors walks out with appetizer cards good for that famous Bloomin’ Onion or Aussie Cheese Fries on a return visit, plus Joey Meal vouchers so parents score a free kids’ entrée down the road. Limited-run swag, bucket hats, stainless cups, neon-rimmed shades, will vanish fast, so locals are already talking about 8 a.m. camp-outs despite the 10:30 ribbon slice.
Inside the new building
Designers borrowed blue tones and coral pops from Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, splashing them across a bar that seats sports crowds yet keeping the dining side cozy for family gatherings. Local pride sneaks into wall art: high-res shots of Lakewood Park’s waterfall, kayakers tackling the Chattahoochee rapids, and sunset aerials of downtown. Translation: It feels Aussie, but you’ll know you’re still home.
The Chili’s factor
Chili’s owns a loyal fajita‑loving following, but Outback’s arrival in Phenix City complicates the casual-dining chessboard. Price-wise, the chains overlap, yet Outback banks on signature steaks, booming portions, and limited‑time Surf & Turf deals to poach guests. Chili’s has answered nationwide with ghost-kitchen wing concepts and revamped bars, but local diners chasing free food, fresh jobs, and philanthropic vibes may tip the balance.
Menu trim
Earlier this year, Outback axed under-ordered items to speed kitchens and spotlight its heroes, center-cut sirloin, Victoria’s filet, Alice Springs chicken, and the never-leaving Bloomin’ Onion. Expect the Phenix City line to crank these out faster than older stores burdenedy too-many-choices syndrome. Bar-side, the Wallaby Darned frozen peach Bellini headlines alongside craft drafts perfect for SEC baseball season.
Regional expansion keeps rolling.
Parent company Bloomin’ Brands hinted at 30 fresh Outback units in 2025, deploying a “prune and plant” strategy that closes sluggish sites but thrusts new builds into growth pockets. Phenix City checks every box: population climbing, retail corridor booming, and zero direct steakhouse competition. If the May 20 turnout mirrors Pell City’s packed-to-fire-code debut, expect nearby towns like Auburn or Opelika to land on Outback’s map next.
How to dodge the crowds after launch
Can’t stomach a two-hour wait on opening day? Locals predict the softest windows will be mid-afternoon weekdays once the novelty fades. Outback’s online waitlist lets you check queue length before leaving the driveway,nd to-go orders can still grab curbside parking if you just need that steak‑n‑Alice Springs combo for Netflix night.
For now, though, Phenix City is gearing up for a lunch rush unlike any other. Free food, a five-grand charity boost, a hundred new jobs, and bragging rights against Chili’s, Outback’s recipe for buzz looks cooked perfectly medium rare. Set your alarm, grab your koozie, and get ready to say, “G’day, y’all,” when the ribbon drops.
