The Cheesecake Factory was founded by Oscar and Evelyn Overton. Evelyn first decided to start a business after making a cheesecake for her husband's employer in 1949. Evelyn opened a small cheesecake shop, in Detroit, Michigan. In 1972, the Overtons moved to the Woodland Hills area of Los Angeles where they opened a wholesale bakery in which they produced cheesecakes and other desserts for local restaurants.

In 1978 the Overton’s son, David, founded The Cheesecake Factory Restaurant in Beverly Hills. The restaurant was an immediate success.

Today, The Cheesecake Factory operates 177 restaurants, 162 under the The Cheesecake Factory concept, and employs approximately 35,000. Known for its scratch cooking, culinary expertise and operational efficiency, The Cheesecake Factory is a rich part of the American dining experience.

The Corporate Support Center is located in Calabasas, CA and employs a population of 280.