Longhorn Steakhouse: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Longhorn Steakhouse was founded in 1981 in Atlanta, Georgia. The original restaurant opened on Peachtree Street and built its reputation on a Western steakhouse concept centered on hand-seasoned, expertly grilled cuts served in a casual, lodge-style atmosphere. The chain expanded steadily through the 1980s and 1990s before being acquired by Rare Hospitality International, which itself was acquired by Darden Restaurants in 2007.

Today, Longhorn Steakhouse operates more than 600 locations across the United States. Its parent company, Darden Restaurants, is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world and also owns Olive Garden, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52, Eddie V's, and Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen. The chain employs tens of thousands of workers in front-of-house, back-of-house, and management positions. Most Longhorn Steakhouse restaurants are company-owned and operated under Darden's management structure, which means hiring and screening practices tend to be more consistent across locations than in franchise-heavy brands.

Longhorn Steakhouse targets customers seeking a sit-down, full-service steakhouse experience at a casual dining price point. Its menu emphasizes grilled proteins, including its signature LH Signature Filet, alongside seasonal specials and American comfort food. The brand has maintained a consistent identity since its founding and is widely recognized across the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States as well as in markets it has expanded into over the past two decades.

Company culture and employee programs: Darden Restaurants has invested in workforce development initiatives across its restaurant brands, including Longhorn Steakhouse. The company offers training programs for new hires, structured advancement pathways from hourly to management roles, and access to benefits including health insurance, paid time off, and tuition assistance for eligible employees. Darden has also participated in fair chance hiring initiatives and publicly committed to diverse and inclusive hiring practices. Specific benefit availability and program details vary by employment classification and tenure, and candidates are encouraged to confirm details with their local hiring manager.

Yes. Longhorn Steakhouse conducts background checks for most positions across its locations. Because Darden Restaurants operates Longhorn Steakhouse primarily through company-owned restaurants rather than franchises, background screening practices tend to be consistent across the brand. Roles involving cash handling, alcohol service, or supervisory responsibilities may be subject to more comprehensive screening relative to other positions.

A Longhorn Steakhouse background check typically takes three to five business days to complete. Turnaround times can vary based on the scope of the check, the jurisdictions being searched, and the responsiveness of record sources. Common delay factors include:

For more detail on what affects timing, see Checkr's guide to background check turnaround times.

A standard background check conducted for Longhorn Steakhouse may include the following types of records and searches:

The specific components included in a background check vary based on the position applied for and applicable state or local law.

In most cases, a Longhorn Steakhouse background check covers the prior seven years of a candidate's history. The seven-year lookback period reflects standards established under the FCRA and many state-level laws for non-conviction records and certain civil judgments. Convictions may be reported beyond seven years in some states and for certain position types.

State and local laws vary, and a number of jurisdictions have enacted "ban-the-box" laws that restrict when and how employers may inquire about criminal history during the application process. Candidates should review the rules in their state or locality, as these protections can affect what Longhorn Steakhouse may consider during the hiring process.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that governs how consumer reporting agencies collect and report background information and how employers may use that information in hiring decisions. The FCRA establishes specific obligations for employers:

These protections are designed to ensure candidates are treated fairly and have an opportunity to address errors in their records before a final hiring decision is made.

Longhorn Steakhouse may conduct drug testing for certain positions or at specific locations, though there is no publicly confirmed chain-wide mandatory drug testing policy for all hourly roles. Drug testing is more commonly required for management positions or in states where employer drug testing programs are regulated or incentivized. Whether a drug test is required can depend on the role applied for, the location, and applicable state law.

Candidates who are uncertain whether a drug test will be required should ask the hiring manager directly during the interview or at the time of offer. Drug test requirements, if applicable, are typically disclosed alongside the background check consent process.

The Longhorn Steakhouse hiring process generally follows these steps:

Longhorn Steakhouse evaluates candidates with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. There is no publicly confirmed blanket policy that automatically disqualifies all applicants with a felony record. As a Darden Restaurants brand, Longhorn Steakhouse is subject to Darden's broader HR policies, which include individualized assessments of candidates with criminal records.

Factors typically considered include the nature and severity of the offense, the amount of time that has passed since the conviction, and the relevance of the offense to the specific role being filled. Positions that involve cash handling, access to alcohol, or supervisory authority may involve a higher level of scrutiny. Candidates with criminal records are encouraged to be transparent during the application process and to review applicable state laws, which in many jurisdictions provide protections under ban-the-box legislation.

Candidates who want to review their background information before applying to Longhorn Steakhouse or any other employer can order a personal background check through Checkr. Knowing what is in your record gives you the opportunity to identify and dispute inaccurate information in advance. A personal background check through Checkr may include:

To get started, visit Checkr Personal Background Checks. To proactively share verified credentials with prospective employers, create a free Checkr Profile.

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal or visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and to contact support.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.