I spent $100 on dinner for 2 at LongHorn Steakhouse. I now understand why the chain is so successful.

LongHorn Steakhouse is outpacing many other casual-dining chains. After visiting for the first time, I can see why. Erin McDowell/Business Insider I recently visited LongHorn Steakhouse as the chain reports positive sales growth this year. Many casual-dining chains are struggling, but LongHorn is performing surprisingly well. I thought the food was high quality and a great value for the cost. LongHorn Steakhouse is having a moment. While many casual-dining chains continue to struggle, LongHorn has posted some of the strongest sales growth in Darden Restaurants' portfolio. In the fiscal first quarter, which ended August 30, LongHorn same-store sales rose 6.2% from a year earlier, outpacing sister chain Olive Garden , whose same-store sales rose 1.1%. LongHorn's overall sales across all locations increased by nearly 11% to $861 million, making it Darden's fastest-growing major chain that quarter.