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.

During the company's earnings call, CFO Raj Vennam said LongHorn's first-quarter sales growth reflected both stronger sales at existing restaurants and the expansion of its footprint.

LongHorn grew from 595 to 624 restaurants over the past year.

LongHorn's success is not a recent comeback, but rather a steady rise to the top.

In the preceding quarter, which ended May 31, LongHorn's same-store sales rose 9.5%, while total sales increased nearly 22% to more than $1 billion.

Darden credited a record-breaking Mother's Day weekend and strong lamb-chop sales for the results.