Feb 18, 2014

HMSHost and Darden Partner to Bring Longhorn Steakhouse to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International

Twenty-fourth annual charity golf tournament and auction is a hole-in-one!

ATLANTA, GA – Global restaurateur HMSHost and the world’s largest full-service restaurant company, Darden Restaurants, have partnered to bring Darden’s famous LongHorn Steakhouse to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The restaurant opened on February 2nd in Concourse C. This is the first Darden restaurant that HMSHost will operate.

An Atlanta original and a local favorite, LongHorn will serve traveling guests fresh, never frozen, steaks that are boldly hand-seasoned and then expertly grilled on the restaurant’s hot steel flat top and open flame char grills. The restaurant’s welcoming team and warm, natural decor, that celebrates the rugged landscape of the American West, will provide guests with an inviting respite from the hustle and bustle of the world’s busiest airport. This partnership marks HMSHost as the first domestic franchisee to work with Darden.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with such a well-respected restaurant company as Darden,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Anthony Alessi. “LongHorn Steakhouse has such a prominent sense of place in Atlanta, with years and years of local history, but also has the national recognition of a loved and trusted restaurant that serves great steaks. Atlanta-based travelers, and those just visiting on their way through, will all find a delicious meal at LongHorn Steakhouse, without having to leave the airport.”

“As Darden continues to grow, non-traditional locations hold intriguing possibilities for our brands,” said Terry Stanley, Senior Vice President of Business Development for Darden. “Darden remains committed to owning and operating its restaurants in traditional types of locations throughout the U.S. We believe the best way for us to expand into airports, however, is to select a terrific partner, such as HMSHost, that has expertise operating in airports and the commitment to delivering our brands with excellence. We look forward to learning from this initial location and exploring the potential for our other brands.”

LongHorn Steakhouse started in Atlanta’s Buckhead community in 1981, becoming a household name during the infamous “SnowJam” of January 1982. Since that time, LongHorn has brought its distinctive steaks like the signature Bone-in Outlaw Ribeye, Flo’s Filet and new 30 oz. Porterhouse for Two, as well as its cut-above steakhouse dining experience, to more communities across the country. Today, there are more than 400 LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants in 36 states. The restaurant also serves fresh chicken and fish, ribs that are slow roasted and hand basted, and fresh salads that are hand chopped and tossed to order.