by WASHINGTON, D.C. — Popular casual dining chain Outback Steakhouse has confirmed another round of restaurant closures across the U.S., marking a continued phase in its parent company’s strategic restructuring efforts.
Bloomin’ Brands, the Florida-based company that owns Outback Steakhouse along with Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, has shuttered multiple locations this month, citing performance and operational reviews.
Company Confirms Ongoing Restructuring
“These are business decisions that are part of our ongoing turnaround plan,” a Bloomin’ Brands spokesperson told USA TODAY. “We considered a variety of factors, including sales and traffic, trade areas, and potential investments to improve performance.”
The company emphasized that employees at affected locations have been offered opportunities to transfer to nearby restaurants, depending on availability.
Which Outback Steakhouse Locations Have Closed?
While Bloomin’ Brands has not released an official list of closures, reports from local media outlets and the Outback Steakhouse website indicate that several locations across the country have already shut their doors.
Recent closures include:
- Birmingham, Alabama – 20th Street North at 20 Midtown
- Birmingham, Alabama – Inverness location on U.S. 280
- Jacksonville Beach, Florida – 3760 South 3rd Street
- Naples, Florida – 4910 U.S. 41 North
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Jones Creek Boulevard
- Silver Spring, Maryland – 8661 Colesville Road in Ellsworth Place Mall
- Merrick, New York – 2124 Merrick Mall
- Madison, Wisconsin – 4520 E. Towne Boulevard
- Waco, Texas – 4500 Franklin Avenue
These closures add to the list of previously shuttered locations from earlier in the year, as Bloomin’ Brands continues to evaluate market performance and streamline operations nationwide.
A Pattern of “Underperforming” Restaurant Closures
This latest move follows the company’s announcement earlier this year that 41 “underperforming” restaurants would close across the U.S., many of which were also Outback Steakhouse locations.
The closures reflect a strategic shift in how Bloomin’ Brands approaches market expansion and site performance. Analysts suggest the company may be focusing on higher-performing areas and newer restaurant concepts while reducing operational costs.
According to its most recent quarterly filing, Bloomin’ Brands operates more than 1,450 restaurants across its portfolio — including over 670 Outback Steakhouse locations in the United States.
Industry Trends: Casual Dining Chains Feel the Heat
Outback’s decision to close multiple locations mirrors a broader challenge facing the casual dining industry. Chains like Applebee’s, Chili’s, and Red Lobster have also scaled back locations in recent years due to rising labor costs, shifting consumer habits, and increased competition from fast-casual dining options.
Experts point out that post-pandemic dining patterns have evolved, with more customers opting for takeout, delivery, or higher-end experiences — leaving mid-tier chains struggling to adapt.
Despite these challenges, Bloomin’ Brands remains optimistic about the long-term potential of its flagship restaurant. The company has invested in menu innovation, digital ordering systems, and remodeling projects to attract younger diners and boost efficiency.
What This Means for Customers
For loyal patrons, the closures may come as a disappointment — especially in smaller communities where Outback Steakhouse served as a go-to destination for family dinners and celebrations.
Customers are encouraged to check the Outback Steakhouse store locator for updated information about their nearest operating restaurant. Those with gift cards or loyalty rewards can continue to use them at any open location nationwide.
Bloomin’ Brands has not indicated whether additional closures are planned, but company officials say the goal remains to strengthen the brand’s financial performance and support sustainable growth in key markets.
What’s Your Take on Outback’s Closures?
Do you think restaurant chains like Outback can recover from changing dining trends, or are more closures inevitable? Share your thoughts and local experiences in the comments on race-day-live.com — your voice could be featured in our next business spotlight
