Houlihan's Restaurants, Inc. is a casual dining chain based in Leawood, Kansas, founded in 1972 by Joe Gilbert and Paul Robinson. The first restaurant opened in Kansas City's Country Club Plaza, and the name "Houlihan's" was inspired by a nearby men's clothing store. The chain has grown significantly, with locations in 15 to 18 states, and has expanded into fine-dining ventures like J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steak & Seafood Restaurant and Bristol Seafood Grill. The restaurants offer a variety of menu items, including steaks, burgers, and fresh onion soup, along with a selection of cocktails. Houlihan's focuses on providing a quality dining experience with fresh ingredients and scratch cooking. The atmosphere is designed to be welcoming and casual, appealing to a diverse audience, including families and social groups. The company operates both company-owned and franchised locations, with about 60% of its restaurants being franchised.