Outback Jacks – a fast growing steakhouse

Sarah Stowe

The story of Outback Jacks Bar & Grill is the outcome of years of experience and hard work within the industry, extensive market research and a mission to fill a niche in the market. It’s a dream come true for Graeme and Denise Diamond.

The Outback Jacks brand, or OBJ’s as it has become affectionately known, is an exciting new chain of restaurants offering relaxed casual dining with full bar facilities and the largest selection of steaks in any menu in the world. Outback Jacks one of the most successful, fastest growing steak_house franchises in Australia.

An entree – where it all began

Graeme and Denise have been on a non-stop fairytale adventure beginning with their marriage in 1982. Graeme, a greenkeeper back then met the naive young circus girl in Melbourne and he literally ran away to join the circus.

From the Perry Brothers Circus they ventured into a pub, the Mineral Springs Hotel at Spargos Creek in Victoria. It wasn’t long before sales increased and with the pub exceeding all expectations Graeme and Denise moved on. They travelled and pursued ventures within the entertainment and retail industries, including the successful Pets Paradise.

Recently they returned to their love of hospitality. As franchisees they opened the successful then 24-hour Billy Baxter’s Coffee House in Cavil Mall, Surfers Paradise.

“We remember what its like to be a franchisee and how we liked and needed to be assisted and looked after as one,” says Denise.

In 2002 they retired from active duties … or tried to! Never ones to sit idle, the lack of people contact and challenge in life was driving them crazy. “Why don’t we do that steakhouse we’ve always spoken about?” suggested Graeme.

A taste of OBJ’s

Extensive research and personal experience went into this concept and in 2006 Outback Jacks was born. The first store opened in Tamworth, NSW and was warmly welcomed by locals and travellers alike. The concept and systems put in place were so attractive it was franchised only three months later. Sites in QLD, NT, VIC and SA all followed by starting out as company stores with franchisees moving in within months.

OBJ’s definitely has a wide market appeal. Our tasty, tender aged steaks and diverse menu, generous portions and ever changing marketing promotions together with a fun atmosphere are fast making us a household name with all ages, in all areas that we open. Stores are located in restaurant precincts and tourist areas and are to date experiencing increasing popularity and patronage, turnover and profit.

Outback Jacks has very extensive training manuals in all areas of the running of a restaurant including administration, computer systems, kitchen procedures and recipes, service guidelines and all other aspects required for a successful profitable OBJ’s restaurant. Manuals are constantly being updated.

Expanding the platter

To increase brand expansion we have introduced master franchisees in every state. The five masters have a combined total of over 70 years experience in the franchising industry.

“Having 17 successful franchised stores Australia wide in the current economic times has not had any effect on Outback Jacks, we have doubled the number of stores opened in 2009 and expect to reach 30 plus stores by March 2010,” says Graeme.