Is LongHorn Steakhouse a Franchise 2026

When it comes to popular American steakhouses, LongHorn Steakhouse is a name that stands tall. Known for its legendary steaks, honey wheat bread, bold flavors, and Western-inspired dining experience, LongHorn has built a loyal fan base across the United States.

But one question often comes up for entrepreneurs and curious foodies: Is LongHorn Steakhouse a franchise?

This guide will answer that question in detail, explain the ownership model, compare it with other restaurant chains, and dive deep into whether you can own a LongHorn Steakhouse franchise or invest in the brand another way.

Is LongHorn Steakhouse a Franchise?

No. LongHorn Steakhouse is not a franchise.

All LongHorn locations are corporate-owned and operated by Darden Restaurants, Inc., one of the largest restaurant companies in the world. Unlike chains such as Subway, Chick-fil-A, or McDonald’s, LongHorn does not sell individual franchise opportunities to entrepreneurs.

Who Owns LongHorn Steakhouse?

Founded: 1981 in Atlanta, Georgia by George McKerrow Jr. and his father.
Acquired by Darden Restaurants: 2007
Parent Company: Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: DRI)
Other Brands Owned by Darden: Olive Garden, The Capital Grille, Yard House, Bahama Breeze, Eddie V’s, and Seasons 52.

This means LongHorn operates under a corporate ownership model, not a franchise model.

Why LongHorn Steakhouse Is Not a Franchise

There are several reasons why LongHorn Steakhouse does not franchise its restaurants:

Brand Control – Darden wants consistency in quality, service, and branding across all locations.
Operational Efficiency – Corporate ownership allows better control of supply chain, pricing, and promotions.
Financial Power – As a billion-dollar company, Darden has the resources to expand without franchising.
Risk Management – Franchising involves risks of non-uniform management and customer experience.

How Many LongHorn Steakhouse Locations Are There?

As of 2025, there are 570+ LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants across the United States.

Year	Number of Locations	Notes
2007	~290	Acquired by Darden
2015	~470	Rapid expansion
2020	~530	Continued growth
2025	570+	Current footprint

All of these locations are corporate-owned.

LongHorn Steakhouse Business Model

LongHorn operates under a corporate expansion model rather than franchising.

Factor	Corporate-Owned	Franchise Model
Ownership	Darden Restaurants	Individual franchisees
Profits	Flow to corporate HQ	Shared between franchisor & franchisee
Quality Control	High consistency	May vary by owner
Expansion Speed	Moderate	Rapid if franchisees invest
Investment Required	Billions (corporate funds)	Varies by franchisee ($200K–$2M typical)

Can You Buy a LongHorn Steakhouse Franchise?

No, you cannot buy a LongHorn Steakhouse franchise.
Darden does not sell franchise rights to individuals.

However, investors can:

Buy Darden stock (NYSE: DRI) to indirectly invest in LongHorn.
Work for LongHorn as a manager or corporate partner.
Open another steakhouse franchise if direct ownership is the goal.

Steakhouse Franchises You Can Own

While you can’t franchise LongHorn, here are some alternatives:

Franchise Brand	Initial Investment Range	Franchise Fee	Notes
Texas Roadhouse	Not franchised in the U.S. (mostly corporate)	N/A	Similar corporate model
Outback Steakhouse	$500K–$2M	$50K+	Owned by Bloomin’ Brands
Black Rock Bar & Grill	$1M–$2M	$50K	Upscale steakhouse experience
Sizzler	$1M–$2.5M	$40K+	Known for steak & seafood
Ruth’s Chris	$2M–$6M	$150K+	High-end fine dining franchise

Pros & Cons of LongHorn’s Corporate Model

Advantages

Consistent food quality & service nationwide
Strong supply chain control
High brand reputation
Efficient training & employee standards

Disadvantages

No franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs
Slower expansion than franchise-driven competitors
Limited local customization

LongHorn Steakhouse vs Other Darden Brands

Darden keeps most of its brands corporate-owned:

Darden Brand	Franchise Available?
Olive Garden	No (corporate-owned)
LongHorn Steakhouse	No (corporate-owned)
The Capital Grille	No
Yard House	No
Bahama Breeze	No
Eddie V’s	No
Seasons 52	No

Unlike Yum! Brands (KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut), Darden does not franchise any of its brands in the U.S.

Should Darden Consider Franchising LongHorn?

Many experts debate whether franchising could help LongHorn expand faster.

Pros:
- Rapid expansion nationwide and globally.
- More local entrepreneurs can join the brand.
- Reduced corporate financial burden.
Cons:
- Risk of inconsistent food and service.
- Loss of total brand control.
- Potential dilution of reputation.

For now, Darden prefers full control, and it seems to be working.

LongHorn’s Market Position

Competitors: Outback, Texas Roadhouse, Black Angus, Logan’s Roadhouse.
Target Market: Middle-income families and steak lovers.
Average Check: $20–$30 per person.
Strength: Legendary steaks, affordable compared to fine dining.

FAQs – Is LongHorn Steakhouse a Franchise?

Here are 17 frequently asked questions with detailed answers.

1. Is LongHorn Steakhouse a franchise?

No, all locations are corporate-owned by Darden Restaurants.

2. Who owns LongHorn Steakhouse?

Darden Restaurants, Inc., which also owns Olive Garden and Yard House.

3. Can I open a LongHorn Steakhouse franchise?

No, franchise opportunities are not available.

4. How many LongHorn locations exist?

As of 2025, over 570 across the U.S.

5. What’s the average cost if it were franchised?

Comparable steakhouse franchises cost $1M–$3M to open.

6. Why doesn’t LongHorn franchise?

To maintain brand consistency, quality control, and corporate profits.

7. Can I invest in LongHorn?

Yes—by purchasing Darden stock (NYSE: DRI).

8. Is LongHorn like Texas Roadhouse?

Yes, both are casual steakhouses, but LongHorn is corporate-owned.

9. Do other Darden brands franchise?

No, all Darden restaurants are corporate-owned.

10. Where was LongHorn founded?

Atlanta, Georgia, in 1981.

11. Does LongHorn expand internationally?

Primarily U.S.-based, but Darden explores selective international growth.

12. What’s the average LongHorn revenue per location?

Estimates suggest $3–$4 million annually per restaurant.

13. Is LongHorn Steakhouse profitable?

Yes—Darden consistently reports strong revenues from the brand.

14. Can I own stock in LongHorn specifically?

No, but you can own shares in Darden Restaurants.

15. Which steakhouses are franchises?

Ruth’s Chris, Sizzler, Black Rock Bar & Grill.

16. Is LongHorn cheaper than Outback?

Generally, prices are similar, with both offering mid-range steakhouse dining.

17. Will LongHorn ever franchise in the future?

Unlikely in the U.S., but possible in international markets.

Final Thoughts

So, is LongHorn Steakhouse a franchise?
The answer is no—it’s a corporate-owned brand under Darden Restaurants. That means you can’t buy a LongHorn franchise, but you can still support or invest in the brand indirectly through Darden stock.

Key Takeaways:

LongHorn is not franchised—all restaurants are corporate-owned.
Owned by Darden Restaurants, alongside Olive Garden and others.
570+ U.S. locations as of 2025.
No franchise opportunities, but indirect investment is possible.
Alternative steakhouse franchises exist for entrepreneurs.

If you’re a fan of LongHorn, keep enjoying the legendary steaks and bread. If you’re an entrepreneur, explore other steakhouse franchises—but know that LongHorn will always remain under Darden’s control.