Former Manager of Dutchess County Outback Named President of Company

The new president of Outback Steakhouse is a guy who used to serve up Bloomin' Onions right here in the Hudson Valley.

Jeff Smith, the president of Outback Steakhouse, has announced his retirement after 25 years. Smith started the very first Outback restaurant in Tampa, Florida and is credited with developing the company's curbside takeout service. According to Nation's Restaurant News, the new president that will take Smith's place is a familiar face to Hudson Valley diners.

Gregg Scarlett has now officially been named as the new head of Outback Steakhouse. Scarlett started his career with Outback 20 years ago as a managing partner for their restaurant located on Route 9 in Wappingers Falls. Scarlett moves from his current position as president of Bonefish Grill to take over the reigns at Outback.

Outback Steakhouse has been operating in Wappingers Falls since 1997. According to their website, the Hudson Valley restaurant has 72 employees with 245 years of combined experience working at the chain. The Wappingers Falls Outback recently renovated their building, adding a lounge area for those waiting to be seated and upgrading the interior design of the building.