Cheesecake Factory (NASDAQ:CAKE) (NASDAQ:CAKE) is an American restaurant company and distributor renowned for its full-service casual-dining concept and specialty cheesecakes. Headquartered in Calabasas Hills, California, the company operates more than 200 restaurants under The Cheesecake Factory® brand across the United States, Puerto Rico and select international markets. In addition to sit-down dining, Cheesecake Factory franchised locations offer catering and take-out services, while a separate manufacturing arm supplies branded cheesecakes and desserts to supermarkets, hotels and other foodservice operators.
The origins of the brand trace back to a small cheesecake bakery founded in Detroit in the 1940s. In 1978, founder David M. Overton transformed the bakery concept into a full-service restaurant, opening the first Cheesecake Factory in Beverly Hills, California. Under Overton’s leadership as chairman and chief executive officer, the chain grew steadily through the 1980s and 1990s, culminating in a public offering in 1992. Over the ensuing decades, Cheesecake Factory expanded its footprint beyond California, entering new U.S. markets and venturing overseas with restaurants in Canada, the Middle East and Mexico.
Cheesecake Factory restaurants are known for extensive, made-to-order menus featuring more than 250 dishes, including appetizers, entrée salads, pizzas, pastas, steaks and seafood. Signature desserts span over 30 cheesecake flavors, ranging from classic New York style to creative seasonal varieties. The company’s manufacturing division, based near its corporate campus, produces and distributes cheesecakes, oversized slices and specialty desserts under The Cheesecake Factory brand for retail and wholesale customers.
Led by David M. Overton, The Cheesecake Factory emphasizes chef-driven recipe development, high-quality ingredients and an experiential dining atmosphere. As the company continues to evolve, it explores new service channels, culinary innovation and selective international growth while maintaining its core focus on generous portions, diverse menu offerings and the trademark display case of dessert creations that has defined the brand for more than four decades.
