Beloved steakhouse chain shuts its doors for good after years of service
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For diners who love a hearty steak and a familiar booth, change has quietly arrived once again.
The unmistakable sizzle and scent that once drew crowds to one local restaurant have come to an end, signaling a shift in the dining landscape.
While some chains are thriving, others are making difficult choices about which doors stay open. For one beloved steakhouse, that decision has meant saying goodbye to yet another location.
Outback Steakhouse has permanently closed its restaurant in Madison, Wisconsin, marking another in a series of shutdowns by the popular dining chain.
The closure follows a wave of Outback locations across the country that have been shuttered in recent months.
Despite the loss, Outback is not completely leaving Wisconsin, as restaurants remain open in Brookfield, Greenfield, and Onalaska, according to its website.
The move adds to a growing list of closures that reflect the brand’s effort to reconfigure its business strategy.
Other locations affected include restaurants in Birmingham, Alabama, and Jacksonville Beach and Naples, Florida.
USA Today also reported closures in New York, Louisiana, and Maryland, with the Merrick Mall location on Long Island shutting down after nearly 30 years due to an expiring lease.
Also read: A beloved diner chain with 72 years of history is shutting its doors
Restaurants in Baton Rouge and Silver Spring have also been affected. The closures have disappointed loyal customers who viewed these spots as long-standing neighborhood favorites
“These are business decisions that are part of our ongoing turnaround plan,” said Elizabeth Daly, a spokesperson for Bloomin’ Brands, the parent company of Outback Steakhouse.
“We considered a variety of factors, including sales and traffic, trade areas, and potential investments to improve performance.”
Daly’s statement highlights how challenging the restaurant industry has become as brands work to balance profitability with customer loyalty. Some of the toughest choices are being made at locations where traffic has slowed or costs have risen.
Bloomin’ Brands, which also owns Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, and Bonefish Grill, has been undergoing major operational changes.
A Bonefish Grill location in Madison also closed recently, underscoring that the company’s restructuring goes beyond just one brand.
Also read: After 20 years, this iconic restaurant chain is reopening its doors and fans can’t wait
Last year, Bloomin’ announced 41 closures across its restaurant brands, with Outback accounting for most of them.
Still, more than 670 Outback restaurants remain open across the US, including over 90 in Florida alone.
Read next:
For fans of Outback’s signature steaks and laid-back vibe, these changes mark the end of an era in some communities. Will your local Outback be next on the chopping block, or will it continue to serve those famous Bloomin’ Onions for years to come? Share your thoughts and favorite memories in the comments below.
The unmistakable sizzle and scent that once drew crowds to one local restaurant have come to an end, signaling a shift in the dining landscape.
While some chains are thriving, others are making difficult choices about which doors stay open. For one beloved steakhouse, that decision has meant saying goodbye to yet another location.
Outback Steakhouse has permanently closed its restaurant in Madison, Wisconsin, marking another in a series of shutdowns by the popular dining chain.
The closure follows a wave of Outback locations across the country that have been shuttered in recent months.
Despite the loss, Outback is not completely leaving Wisconsin, as restaurants remain open in Brookfield, Greenfield, and Onalaska, according to its website.
Beloved steakhouse chain shuts its doors for good after years of service. Image source: KENS 5: Your San Antonio News Source / YouTube
The move adds to a growing list of closures that reflect the brand’s effort to reconfigure its business strategy.
Other locations affected include restaurants in Birmingham, Alabama, and Jacksonville Beach and Naples, Florida.
USA Today also reported closures in New York, Louisiana, and Maryland, with the Merrick Mall location on Long Island shutting down after nearly 30 years due to an expiring lease.
Also read: A beloved diner chain with 72 years of history is shutting its doors
Restaurants in Baton Rouge and Silver Spring have also been affected. The closures have disappointed loyal customers who viewed these spots as long-standing neighborhood favorites
“These are business decisions that are part of our ongoing turnaround plan,” said Elizabeth Daly, a spokesperson for Bloomin’ Brands, the parent company of Outback Steakhouse.
“We considered a variety of factors, including sales and traffic, trade areas, and potential investments to improve performance.”
Daly’s statement highlights how challenging the restaurant industry has become as brands work to balance profitability with customer loyalty. Some of the toughest choices are being made at locations where traffic has slowed or costs have risen.
Bloomin’ Brands, which also owns Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, and Bonefish Grill, has been undergoing major operational changes.
A Bonefish Grill location in Madison also closed recently, underscoring that the company’s restructuring goes beyond just one brand.
Also read: After 20 years, this iconic restaurant chain is reopening its doors and fans can’t wait
Last year, Bloomin’ announced 41 closures across its restaurant brands, with Outback accounting for most of them.
Still, more than 670 Outback restaurants remain open across the US, including over 90 in Florida alone.
Read next:
- Is your go-to diner shutting down? America’s beloved chain to close more locations—here’s what’s happening
- Is your favorite shopping spot next? Iconic mall closing after 50 years—here’s what you need to know
