Yet another sign the strength of Lafayette’s economy is on national retailers’ radar: the steakhouse chain that captures the flavor of the West in its restaurants is investing in Lafayette. Dirt is turning at the corner of Settlers Trace and Ambassador Caffery Parkway in front of Academy to make way for a LongHorn Steakhouse.
Construction of the building is valued at $1.13 million, according to Lafayette Consolidated Government’s permit records. LongHorn and its upscale sister eatery, The Capital Grille, are subsidiaries of Orlando-based Darden Restaurants Inc., which has 1,700 locations, including Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52 brands. Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI) is the world’s largest company-owned and operated restaurant group with almost $6.7 billion in annual sales.
“When you come into LongHorn Steakhouse, you’re paying a visit to the West. The authentic West. The West of loyalty, hospitality, and of course, real good food,” reads the company’s Web site description. LongHorn offers hand-cut steaks, seafood, chicken dishes, burgers and salads. Its Web site also includes nutrition information for the entire menu.