Outback Steakhouse planned to expand internationally by opening franchise locations that maintained the same menu and atmosphere as US locations to leverage brand recognition abroad. The plan's strengths were leveraging a successful US brand, but weaknesses included uncertainty that the casual dining concept would translate to other cultures. Recommendations included testing new markets on a smaller scale before large investments and adapting the concept somewhat to local tastes. Given uncertainties, a cautious approach with initial limited international growth was prudent for Outback.