If you’ve never heard of Longhorn Steakhouse, don’t expect to start seeing billboards. According to Nation’s Restaurant News, the restaurant chain is refocusing its marketing strategy and taking away ad dollars.
So, you won’t be seeing Longhorn Steakhouse commercials or sponsorships, as they have eliminated the majority of that budget.
The good news for people that already frequent the restaurant is that the money saved from marketing campaigns is going into making portions larger and putting more food on your plate, to make sure you leave with a full belly and then some.
Darden — the parent company of Longhorn Steakhouse — and their CEO, Rick Cardenas, explain that due to their advertising campaign success in past years, pre-dating COVID, they can reap the benefits and pass them along to their loyal customers.
“Over time, we didn’t have to talk about quality because everybody knew. Over time, we weaned off the communication and put more on the plate per dollar than everybody in the space,” Cardenas says.
“We also invested in the team and have record low turnover and a great experience. When consumers find value, it’s not always what you pay, it’s what you get for what you pay, and we think we’ve hit the sweet spot.”
The age-old adage about having a great product that speaks for itself seems to be paying off.
24 Country Stars With Their Own Bars + Restaurants
Of all of the side hustles country artists could partake in, opening a bar or restaurant is the most fitting — and very common. After all, many of these stars got their start on a barstool, tip jar nearby, playing their music for anyone who would listen.
These places feel like home for many of these singers. Over the years, several artists have gotten into the bar or restaurant game, and for a select few, brands have turned into franchises with several locations and/or concepts — we’re looking at you, Jimmy Buffett!
Let’s take a look at the country star food and entertainment venues that have opened over the years.
Gallery Credit: Jess
The Top 40 Country Songs of 2024, Ranked
New country artists and traditionalists rule this Top Country Songs of 2024 list.
Airplay charts, sales data and streaming numbers helped make this list of country music’s Top 40 songs of 2024, but staff and Taste of Country reader opinion were also influential.
Songs included on our previous Top Country Songs lists were not eligible.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
In Memoriam: Country Stars Who Died in 2024
Take a moment to remember the country artists, songwriters and industry members who died in 2024.
Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak
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