An Outback Steakhouse server says her manager made her sit in a booth and snap a photo, part of a wave of new rules she calls degrading

Outback Steakhouse is allegedly rolling out a series of changes, including new uniforms, a larger menu, updated table-service expectations, and a new bar promotion, according to employees who discussed them on Reddit. Some workers have described the rollout as “ridiculous” and “crazy,” while others say the changes bring back some of the restaurant chain’s older personality.

News of the changes surfaced in a Reddit thread posted Aug. 15 in the r/OutbackSteakhouse community. The employee who started the discussion said they had worked at Outback for nearly three years and described a “BUNCH of new changes,” including a return to older-style uniforms and new menus.

The employee, who identified as a bartender, also described a new “Aussie Rock Up” promotion. According to the post, bartenders announce drink samples to the restaurant before leading a call-and-response chant: “Aussie Aussie Aussie,” followed by “Oi Oi Oi” from bar guests. The employee said a manager made them repeat the promotion after deciding the first attempt was not good enough.

Employees say Outback Steakhouse table service will also change.

Table service also appears to be changing. The original Reddit poster said employees are now encouraged to “reach eye level” with every table by kneeling, pulling up a chair, or sitting with guests. The worker argued that servers should assess each table individually because some customers may not want that level of interaction.

Other Reddit users also criticized the rollout. One commenter called the changes “ridiculous and degrading,” while another described them as “insanely inconvenient.” A separate employee said everyone at their restaurant “hates the changes” and claimed the rollout created logistical problems with supplies and equipment.

The same employee said their location did not have enough shot glasses for the new drink samples. The employee also said new menus did not fit the existing menu holders, forcing staff to rearrange the host stand. Another complaint involved new table settings that require additional plates and silverware before guests sit down.

A different reaction from at least one social media creator.

Cassidy (@cassidyrae1) posted a seemingly positive TikTok featuring the new Outback uniforms while using the “DANCE…” trend. In comments on the post, however, someone wrote, “And NO I’m not saying gday mates to my tables!! Noo!! My manager made me sit in the booth to take an order and snapped a pic.”

Another commenter wrote, “Glad I’m not alone in my feelings about all the bs changes. 6 years in and NO I’m not going to greeting tables with G’day.”

One former Outback worker said they were excited about the return of the older “safari shirts” and welcomed what they viewed as a less corporate look. Another employee said the uniforms were “cool” and that workers were competing to collect the most pins.

Outback has not published a current U.S. press release specifically explaining the full 2026 employee-change rollout. Its official press room currently lists recent announcements about menu and brand initiatives, while its website continues to emphasize “Aussie hospitality” and uses Australian-themed language throughout its marketing.

In other Outback news, a Florida TikTok creator reported several major issues with his to-go order, suggesting issues with service and food quality at least one Outback location.