The Cheesecake Factory's origins trace to Evelyn Overton, who began making cheesecakes from her basement in Detroit, Michigan, in the 1940s. Her cheesecakes became popular with local restaurants, and she eventually moved the business to Los Angeles.
Evelyn's son David Overton opened the first Cheesecake Factory restaurant in Beverly Hills, California, in 1978. The restaurant was distinctive for its large portions, extensive menu (far broader than typical casual dining restaurants), and its signature cheesecakes. The concept proved immediately popular.
The Cheesecake Factory expanded through the 1980s, opening locations in California and other states. The company went public on NASDAQ in 1992, raising capital for further expansion.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, The Cheesecake Factory expanded nationally, opening locations in major shopping centers and urban areas across the United States. The company became known for its consistently long wait times, which paradoxically reinforced its popularity and perceived value.
The Cheesecake Factory expanded internationally, opening licensed locations in the Middle East, Canada, Mexico, and other markets.
In 2019, The Cheesecake Factory acquired North Italia, a fast-growing Italian restaurant chain, and a majority interest in Flower Child, a health-focused fast-casual concept. These acquisitions marked a strategic shift toward building a portfolio of restaurant brands beyond the flagship Cheesecake Factory concept.
The company was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, temporarily closing dining rooms and pivoting to takeout and delivery. The Cheesecake Factory recovered strongly in 2021 and 2022 as dining restrictions lifted.
For fiscal year 2024, The Cheesecake Factory reported revenue of approximately $3.6 billion.