Beloved Italian Restaurant Chain Abruptly Closing Locations Across The US

We all know that the economy lately has been hitting retailers pretty hard, with many going bankrupt, and the tough financial times are also affecting restaurants chains. Recently, Red Lobster, Pizza Hut, Boston Market, TGI Fridays, Popeyes, Tijuana Flats, Cracker Barrel and Applebee's have all shuttered locations due to financial issues and now, a beloved Italian restaurant chain has as well. Buca di Beppo abruptly closed down 13 locations across the country, surprising customers and staff alike.

The chain, known for its vintage decor and large family-style portions, shuttered 13 locations, including ones in California and Florida, as well as its last remaining restaurants in Michigan and Pennsylvania. One former employee at the Sacramento location told FOX40, "Just knowing this place has been open for so long and it's closing... is a big deal." He also revealed that workers there had no idea the closure was coming, only learning about it at an "emergency meeting."

A sign on the door of that location, which opened in 1999, reads, "We are thankful to you, our loyal guests, for giving us the opportunity to serve you. It's with great appreciation and gratitude that we say thank you for all the years."

Other restaurants affected include the ones in Livonia, Michigan; Colonie, Florida and Spring Township, Pennsylvania, as well as ones in Maryland, Ohio and Hawaii.

In a statement to the Daily Mail, Buca di Beppo explained that closed 13 restaurants this week which were "unable to recover from the damage caused by the pandemic and other market pressures." There are now 44 Buca di Beppos remaining in America.