News Release

October 20, 2021

New Partnerships Offer Educational Savings for Bloomin’ Brands Employees

Team members are now eligible to receive tuition discounts at the University of Phoenix and St. Leo University

TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 20, 2021) – Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq:BLMN) is providing additional opportunities for its employees to earn a college degree at a reduced cost. New partnerships with the University of Phoenix and St. Leo University will extend tuition discounts to the company’s team members.  

“Providing growth opportunities for our team members both professionally and personally is important to us,” said Lori Malcolm, Senior Vice President, Human Resources for Bloomin’ Brands. “We are excited to partner with these two universities to create a path for employees to reach their education goals.”

At the University of Phoenix, team members will receive an approximate 16% tuition discount through the five plus one benefit where the sixth course is free. The agreement also includes a free learning assessment. This increases the previous 6% tuition discount that was in place.

“We are excited to continue supporting Bloomin’ Brands by providing educational opportunities for their team members,” said Jay Titus, Vice President of Workforce Solutions at University of Phoenix. “Our strategic alliance offers Bloomin’ Brands several unique pathways that support the upskilling needs of the company as well as the educational goals of their workforce.”

Bloomin’ Brands team members can receive a 10% tuition discount toward any Saint Leo University undergraduate and graduate programs offered through their main campus, convenient online programs, and 16 education centers and offices, located in five states. Employees will also enjoy a waived application fee.

“With a 130-year history in the Tampa Bay area, Saint Leo University is excited to partner with another Tampa-based organization to help more people access a private college education,” said Saint Leo University President Jeffrey Senese. “Through this partnership, Bloomin’ Brands employees everywhere will have the opportunity to pursue their educational goals from a regionally accredited, nonprofit university, in a way that is most convenient for them.”

There are now three universities offering a tuition discount to company employees. In 2018, Bloomin’ Brands partnered with Johnson & Wales University providing employees a 20% discount on undergraduate and graduate programs offered through the College of Online Education, as well as its Providence Campus’ Continuing Education undergraduate programs and master’s degree programs.


About Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.

Bloomin' Brands, Inc. is one of the largest casual dining restaurant companies in the world with a portfolio of leading, differentiated restaurant concepts. The Company has four founder-inspired brands: Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar.  The Company owns and operates more than 1,450 restaurants in 47 states, Guam and 20 countries, some of which are franchise locations.  For more information, please visit bloominbrands.com.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. With over one million alumni and growing, University of Phoenix offers flexible schedules, career-relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life™ to help working adults more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu

About St. Leo University

Saint Leo University is one of the largest Catholic universities in the nation, offering more than 100 undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs and specializations to more than 18,000 students each year. Founded in 1889 by Benedictine monks and sisters, the private, nonprofit university is known for providing a values-based education to learners of all backgrounds and ages in the liberal arts tradition. Saint Leo is regionally accredited and offers a residential campus in the Tampa Bay region of Florida, 16 education centers in five states, and an online program for students anywhere. The university is home to more than 100,000 alumni. Learn more at saintleo.edu.