CULLMAN, Ala. –The ribbon was cut on the brand-new Outback Steakhouse in north Cullman on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
Members of the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, Cullman City Council and the Cullman Economic Development Agency (CEDA) joined in to officially welcome the restaurant to town.
CEDA Director Dale Greer said that for years, community members have said they want an Outback.
“The company has a reputation for great food but also for community service and involvement,” Greer said. “Outback is a great addition to Cullman.”
The Outback team said the restaurant isn’t just an exciting addition that brings the taste of the “Down Under.” It also creates new jobs in the community and will join forces with two local nonprofits – Curt’s Closet and Cullman Caring for Kids – throughout opening week.
Curt’s Closet Founder and Executive Director Ashley Wilson was presented with a check for $5,000, while Cullman Caring for Kids Executive Director Steven Sutter accepted a check for $2,738.31. Both were the result of a fundraising campaign hosted by Outback.
Wilson said partnerships with local businesses are vital to the work of Curt’s Closet.
“Nonprofit work is truly a community effort, and when new and local companies like Outback Steakhouse choose to invest in the kids of Cullman from day one, it shows families that they’re not just opening their doors to the public, they’re opening opportunities,” Wilson said. “Their decision to donate part of their proceeds was more than a generous gesture; it was a statement that they believe in the children and families we serve. Support like this helps us reach more kids and families, meet more needs and continue building a community where everyone has the chance to thrive.”
Sutter said Cullman Caring for Kids is honored to be a part of Outback’s opening and is looking forward to partnering with the steakhouse in the future.
“When groups like Outback make us part of their openings, it not only gives us a financial boost from them, but it also puts our name and mission out to more people who might not know we exist or what we really do,” Sutter said. “Running a nonprofit is all about relationships and this is one that will help for years to come.”
CEDA Retail and Workforce Development Manager Susan Eller said it has been a pleasure to work with the Delaney Property Group, which had a vision to bring a national steakhouse to Cullman.
“They have completed several retail projects in the city of Cullman but also in Cullman County and we thank them for their confidence in this community,” Eller said. “Outback has really transformed this intersection with an updated look that our community can be proud of and we are grateful for the investment they have made here in Cullman. We are excited to have Outback as an addition to the great restaurant lineup in Cullman.”
Eller said she looked into what makes Outback choose a community and found what she said was great information:
“Outback Steakhouse (the restaurant) looks for vibrant communities with strong local economies, good visibility/traffic, and potential for community engagement, often focusing on areas with families and sports interest, while Outback Stores in Australia (outbackstores.com.au) works with Indigenous communities to improve food access, health, and employment, seeking partners to create sustainable businesses that benefit locals. Site selection involves analytics, assessing demographics, and ensuring alignment with their brand values of quality and community support, rather than just generic locations.”
Outback Steakhouse is located at 727 Second Ave. NW (U.S. Highway 31) in the North Shopping Center in Cullman.
Hours are Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11a.m.-11p.m and Sundays 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.
