Fans of Outback Steakhouse are deeply upset after learning that their favorite local restaurant is shutting down.
Bloomin' Brands Inc, the company that owns Outback Steakhouse, has announced plans to close 41 restaurants nationwide.
Outback Steakhouse Closure Shocks Kentwood Community
Customers at the Outback Steakhouse in Kentwood, Michigan, were saddened to learn that their local spot had permanently closed its doors.
A message on the door expressed gratitude towards patrons for their longstanding support.
The familiar Outback signs have been removed from the building beside Dave & Buster's, leaving a noticeable void.
Regular visitors express their disappointment, noting they must travel much farther to enjoy a Bloomin' Onion and other beloved dishes.
"One person exclaimed on Facebook, saying, 'No! That was my favorite spot.'
Another called it 'My favorite steakhouse.'
A third person remarked, 'Another Outback is shutting down. That's terrible.'
Outback Steakhouse is currently closing several of its restaurants nationwide."
The parent company, Bloomin' Brands, is closing 41 restaurants across different brands.
The closures include popular eateries like Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, and Aussie Grill.
David Deno, the CEO of Bloomin' Brands, shared with investors last week that the decision was made to shut down primarily older, underperforming locations. He mentioned that many of these restaurants are in buildings with leases dating back to the 1990s and early 2000s.
He emphasized that "Closing restaurants is always a hard choice. This decision reflects business needs and not our staff's quality or service. Many of our team members can move to jobs at other locations. Those who can't will receive a severance package."
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The company conducts regular reviews of its operations. "In our most recent review, we decided to shut down 41 restaurants that weren't doing well," stated David Deno, CEO of Bloomin' Brands.
He shared this news during an earnings call on Friday, February 23, as Nation's Restaurant News reported.
These closures have significantly impacted some regions, leaving no Outback Steakhouses in certain states.
For instance, all three Outback locations in Hawaii were closed on February 18. A staff member from the Waipio restaurant reported to KHON2 that the employees were given just "two days" notice about the shutdown.
Similarly, the last Outback Steakhouse in New Hampshire ceased operations the same week.
Bloomin' Brands Closures Impact Outback Steakhouse Most
Bloomin' Brands has told USA TODAY that it won't share a list of its closing restaurants. However, according to a report by CNN, Outback Steakhouse will face the most significant impact from these shutdowns.
Nation's Restaurant News reports that as of December 31, Bloomin' operated 1,480 restaurants globally. This includes 688 Outback Steakhouses, 217 Carrabba's Italian Grills, 176 Bonefish Grills, and 64 Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bars in the United States.
In May 2022, Outback Steakhouse announced plans to open 75 to 100 more restaurants. These new locations will be smaller, feature advanced technology, and have refreshed interior designs.
The company aims to enhance the dining experience with these new designs, introducing a modern Australian touch. More space will be dedicated to takeout, delivery, and the recently started nationwide catering service.
Brett Patterson, President of Outback Steakhouse, said the redesign captures the Australian essence of Outback. The welcoming dining area supports the strong demand for to-go and delivery services, reflecting Outback's commitment to improving customer experience.
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