• by Teresa Buyikian , November 19, 2023

Outback Steakhouse says its customers may not care that it won the top spot in the 2023 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI)-- but it’s going to provide a little incentive for them to promote the win anyway.

Through Nov. 22, Outback wants customers to share their enthusiasm (or at least fake it) by posting on social media with the hash tag #SoProudOfOutback.By showing the proof of the post on their phones to their server, customers will receive a free Bloomin’ Onion with the purchase of one full-price adult entrée.

The chain said in a release that the content of the post, or platform, is of little concern. "We don't care that you don't care that we won an award for caring about you—we still care anyway," said Brett Patterson, president of Outback Steakhouse. "But, just so you understand, the ACSI Survey is a huge recognition in our industry and demonstrates our dedication to customer satisfaction, hospitality and menu innovation. It's a big deal for us. And an even better deal for you, if you pretend to care."

The Aussie steakhouse moved into the top spot this year, jumping up 8% to achieve an ACSI score of 83. According to Outback, the addition of “handheld ordering tablets and new ovens and grills” were key in improving  order accuracy, food quality and food menu variety.

The ACSI is a “national indicator of the quality of economic output for goods and services as experienced by consumers,” according to the organization’s website. The Index currently tracks the customer satisfaction with over 400 of the largest corporations in the U.S.