Outback Steakhouse Phasing Out Pins

Waitresses and waiters at Outback Steakhouse have worn pins for as long as I can remember.

As a collector of buttons, I notice things like that.

Tonight we learned that the conspicuous display of pins at the restaurant are on the way out.

At least as displayed on shirtfronts of veteran servers.

Maybe they will end up framed on the wall.

The Blues Brothers pin you can see below (if you click on the photo to enlarge it) caught my attention tonight.

Those who have worked at Outback Steakhouse a long time will be indistinguishable from those newly hired in the new uniforms.

I asked about it and discovered new uniforms were in the offing.

Only one pin will be allowed.

I told our waitress that it looked as if she could survive an attack by a SWAT Team.

Later, I took the opportunity to ask if I could take some photos so people could take a look at what the waitstaff looked like in the “good ol’ days.”

Melissa McGinley was wearing more pins than anyone else I saw Friday night.

Melissa McGiley shows off her collection of Outback Steakhouse pins. She says some people call her "The General."


While those wearing the most pins now appear to have higher rank and certainly must have the most seniority, all serves will look like PFC’s after the new look is instituted.

There is also be a makeover planned for of the 13-year old Crystal Lake Outback Steakhouse this year.


Comments

Outback Steakhouse Phasing Out Pins — 9 Comments

  1. Ever see the movie “Office Space?”

    There is a subplot with the character Joanna (played by Jennifer Aniston) who is a waitress that is constantly badgered by her boss to wear more “flair” on her uniform – ie, pins and doodads on her vest.

    She finally rebels and quits over the mindless pressure to wear more do-dads as part of the restaurant chain’s to make “flair” the distinguishing characteristic that separates their chain from others.

    Quote:

    Joanna: You know what, Stan, if you want me to wear 37 pieces of flair, like your pretty boy over there, Brian, why don’t you just make the minimum 37 pieces of flair?

    Stan, Chotchkie’s Manager: Well, I thought I remembered you saying that you wanted to express yourself.

    Joanna: Yeah. You know what, yeah, I do. I do want to express myself, okay. And I don’t need 37 pieces of flair to do it.

    [flips off Stan]

    End quote

  2. I get the “uniqueness” of it and all, but can you imagine what a time consuming pain in the butt it is to get ready for work everyday & have to attach all those ornaments to your shirt?

    No thanks…

  3. Last year there was an incident at the Outback in Crystal Lake involving pins, and being that there was national attention given to it, it doesn’t surprise me that they are making this decision.

    A waitress had a ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ pin on, which insulted two diners to the extent that they complained to the manager who proceeded to fire the waitress.

    There was a small protest held outside the restaurant later in the week.

    All it takes is ONE person to take political correctness to the next level to change tradition for everyone.

  4. I used worked at OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE PHI.

    I was so proud of wearing those outback pins because you can see that you work hard for those pins, and Im proud that I’ve worked in a restaurant like outback who see my dedication for work.

    But I don’t use to wear all my pins every day I change it, I use to wear like a max. of 10 pins every day.

  5. I work at an Outback in North Carolina.

    We were the test region for the new uniforms.

    Every server in the restaurant hates the change.

    We’re no longer allowed to have any individuality.

    Everyone looks the same.

    Our customers have taken notice to this as well.

    I myself have had at least four want to talk to my manager to see why we would make such a “dumb” change, stating that now we look just like Ruby Tuesday employees, and that we’ve completely taken away the fun, family atmosphere Outback is known for.

    Customers have told us the new uniforms make the restaurant dark and depressing, and I can’t say that I disagree.

    Sometimes the pins were a hassle, yes, but so is having to tuck in your shirt or re-tie your apron throughout the course of the night.

    It was something we were all used to. N

    ow servers have nothing to keep them motivated.

    Those pins were a display of our hard work, something we earned and were proud of.

  6. I used to work for Outback in the Philippines. It was a great experience! Those pins that you see on their uniforms, those pins were not bought from a souvenir shop..u have to earn it to have one.

    No rules, just right!

  7. I used to work at Outback Manila those pins were considered as medals you really had to earn them, they were not only a symbol of uniqueness but it showed what type of worker you are…the more you got the more it says highly of you…these are one of the things that sets outbackers apart from other establishments….a certain flair,color and life to things.

  8. Hi, I work at Outback Brazil.

    And now we only can use 3 pins a day.

    It’s so sad!

  9. I used to work out back and I wore my pants probably it’s so dedication and made you feel part of the team every time you got one it’s sad that you’re taking them away!ยก!!!

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