Paul E. Avery was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Outback Steakhouse, Inc. in March of 2005 including operation of Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Lee Roy Selmon’s, Ala Carte Pavilion and Outback International. He was promoted to President of Outback Steakhouse, Inc. January of 2004 and served as President of Outback Steakhouse of Florida, Inc. since April of 1997. Paul was elected to the Board of Directors in 1998 and served until April of 2004. Paul was Senior Vice President of the company in 1993. From 1990 to 1993, he was the Director of Operations.

Paul began his career with Outback Steakhouse in 1989 as a Managing Partner. Prior to 1989, he was employed by the Steak & Ale Restaurant Company for 7 ½ years where he was a Regional Supervisor. He began his career with Steak & Ale in 1982 as a manager in training.

Paul Avery is 47 years old with an Associate Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at Middlesex County College in New Jersey and a Bachelor of Science Degree at Kean University in New Jersey.

He is involved in the community through his participation on the Advisory Council Executive Steering Committee of the Restaurant Leadership Council, a Founders Club member of the Great Outdoors Conservancy, a Board Member of the Hillsborough Education Foundation, Vice Chairman of Tampa Bay Watch, an Honorary Trustee for Junior Achievement Enterprise Village of Hillsborough County, a Vice President on MDA National Board of Directors and serving on Board of Directors for SunTrust. Paul was President of the American Beverage Institute for three years, and Chairman of Take Stock in Children for four years.