Meet the Chairman of Outback Steakhouse

Exclusive interview with Mr Prasoon Mukherjee Chairman of Outback Steakhouse, the first-generation entrepreneur and philanthropist

The aim of a restaurant business should not just be the creation of wealth but a pool of satisfied people—everyone from customers to staff, business partners and vendors—that is our recipe for success

The food industry is very intimate and personal. It is where we bring people together over good food and a friendly atmosphere. Bringing Outback Steakhouse into Southeast Asia was a challenge. Southeast Asia is a very diversified region but the restaurants still see at least a 10-15% annual growth in all markets since the first launch in Singapore.

Through the years, the Outback Steakhouse experienced many crises; SARS epidemic in Singapore or the military coup in Thailand but not one restaurant in all five markets has been closed and the standards have never been compromised throughout. Outback Steakhouse is currently operating in 13 A-class sites across Asia.

It is amazing how well-informed our customers in Thailand are about Outback Steakhouse, our products, and our food. It is crucial that Outback Steakhouse stays absolutely consistent with the quality of food and services including the delivery orders.

We tried branching out into Outback Grills but the attempt was not successful. What I learned was that it is not worth it to dilute our brands. People love Outback Steakhouse and that is how we will stay.
    
The changes in today’s fast-paced lifestyle are causing the F&B industry to shift its focus from casual dining to fast-casual instead. People are more likely to order delivery food instead of going to the restaurants like they used to. So we have to adjust and adapt to the new trend while making sure that the quality of food and services are not compromised.
    
The best advice I ever received was a former president of Outback Steakhouse International. He said, “ We’re not in the business of furniture. We’re in the business of food.”

My proudest moment was when I was chosen to greet President Obama and the First Lady at a business banquet in India. I was one of 20 business people chosen from the 200 attending the banquet to greet them and I chose to introduce myself as the Chairman of Outback Steakhouse. The First Lady was so excited she asked whether there is an Outback Steakhouse in India.
    
My personal motto is honesty and integrity. Because developing trust takes time and commitment. It is important that we live up to the commitment no matter how difficult it is.
    
I believe Outback Steakhouse is an institution. It has been accepted, trusted and loved worldwide for over 40 years and I can see it grow for decades more.

4th floor, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan 10330. 02 658 0202.
www.outback-sea.com
FB: Outback Steakhouse Thailand


Outback Steakhouse Southeast Asia is owned and operated by Universal Success Restaurants Pte. Ltd. under the Universal Success Enterprises Group of Companies. It was founded in 1995 by Mr Prasoon Mukherjee. This multinational and diversified company operates in Southeast Asia and India. The main businesses include USE Infra for Industrial Parks & Townships, USE Power for Power & Ports and Universal Success Restaurants (RSRS) for Hospitality. Outback Steakhouse is also involved in various corporate social responsibility programmes.

•    USE and Outback Steakhouse: donated funds to SOS Children's Village in the Philippines
•    USE and Outback Steakhouse: donated necessities and funds to help victims of Typhoon Haiyan
•    USE and Outback Steakhouse: helped rebuild homes in Tacloban, Philippines
•    USE and Outback Steakhouse: A Friend of a Child programme, committed to supporting the education of three scholars
•    USE and Outback Steakhouse with WE International Philippines: Feeding programme in Smokey Mountain
•    USE and Outback Steakhouse Starserve Programme: hosted celebrity fundraiser to benefit the children of Asociacion de Damas de Filipinas
•    USE, Outback Steakhouse with Malaysia AIDS Foundation: donated RM60,000 to Kids AIDS Foundation
•    USE, Outback Steakhouse visited orphanages in Jakarta during Ramadan season
•    USE and Outback Steakhouse donated funds to YCAB Foundation
•    USE and Outback Steakhouse: donated funds to help the Christian Missionary to run the schools
•    USE: provided Cyclone Aila relief
•    USE: Nayachar Island Health Awareness & Checkup Camp blankets and clothes distribution
•    USE and Outback Steakhouse: donated US$6,000 as financial support to Thai Buddhist monks and kids orphanages
•    Outback Thailand re-opening: donated funds to Srisangwan School