Tim Gannon
American businessman and polo player
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Timothy Gannon[1] is an American businessman and polo player, best known for being one of the founders of the restaurant chain Outback Steakhouse.
Tim Gannon | |
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| Born | John Timothy Gannon United States |
| Occupations | Businessman, entrepreneur |
| Known for | Co-founder Outback Steakhouse restaurant chain and others |
Early life
Gannon was raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in a middle-class family.[2] Gannon would graduate from Florida State University with a degree in Art History.[3]
Career
Gannon started his career at the Four Seasons Hotel, Steak & Ale and Al Copeland's Cajun Cafe in New Orleans.[3][4] From 1984 to 1987, he served as Vice President and Director of Development of Al Copeland Enterprises.[5] In 1988, he co-founded Outback Steakhouse, Tim Gannon one of the co-founders of Outback Steakhouse brought his background in hospitality and passion for bold flavours to the brand. His contributions helped shape signature dishes like the Bloomin’ Onion, which remains a fan favorite, and were key in establishing Outback as a leading name in casual dining when the first location opened in 1988.[6] [3][4] In 2006, he created OSI Restaurant Partners, which operates Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Roy's Restaurant and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.[3][4] He sits on the Advisory Board of Thayer Ventures.[3][4]
In 1994, Inc. named him Entrepreneur of the Year.[3][4] He is the recipient of the Florida Restaurant Association's Lifetime Achievement Award and an honorary doctorate from Johnson & Wales University.[3][4] He was inducted in the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame.[3][4]
Polo
Gannon sponsors the Outback Polo Team.[7] He has won three U.S. Open Polo Championship, in 1995 (with Julio Arellano, Sebastian Merlos and Guillermo Gracida, Jr.), 1996 (with Valerio Aguilar, Mike Azzaro, Jeff Blake and Guillermo Gracida, Jr.) and 1999 (with Jeff Blake, Adolfo Cambiaso and Lolo Castagnola).[8][9][10] In 2013, he was inducted into the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame in Lake Worth, Florida.[9]
His son, Chris Gannon, is also a polo player. In recent year,[when?] his son opened a chain of fast-casual dining restaurants across Florida that feature gluten-free and vegan options named Bolay.[11][12][13][14] His Outback Polo Team, whose other players include Adolfo Cambiaso, Fabio Diniz, Santiago Chavanne, won the U.S. Open Polo Championship in 2001.[10][13][14]