Liz Smith takes over OSI chair

Liz Smith has been named chairperson of the board at OSI Restaurant Partners Inc., the Tampa-based parent of Outback Steakhouse and four other restaurant chains. Smith replaces chairman Bill Allen, her predecessor as the privately-held company's chief executive officer. Before resigning from the board, Allen in August signed a consulting agreement with the company that will pay him a $50,000 a quarter retainer for advice. In the quarter ended Sept. 30, OSI reported that revenue rose 9 percent to $928 million and operating income increased 14 percent.