Outback Steakhouse Is Closing Stores in These 8 States in 2024

Many fast-food chains have closed restaurants recently, but sit-down dining has also suffered. Even old favorites such as Outback Steakhouse have announced that they are closing some locations.

Outback shuttered many restaurants in several states in 2024 due to declining sales and traffic. If the location near you has closed, you can save money by eating out less. But that likely does not make you feel much better about losing a favorite haunt.

Let’s explore why Bloomin’ Brands — Outback’s parent company — decided to close several steakhouses, which ones were closed, and what customers can expect going forward.

1. Why are Outback Steakhouse restaurants closing?

Company representatives have cited a number of factors behind the closures, including decreased customer traffic and sales.

Bloomin’ Brands saw a 0.2% decline in same-store sales in the fourth quarter of last year. Net profit was $43.3 million in the last quarter of 2023, down from $58 million in the last quarter of 2022.

The company announced on one of its most recent earnings calls that driving same-store sales higher at Outback will be a top priority in the future.

In total, 41 restaurants were closed. In addition to Outback, this includes other Bloomin’ Brand restaurants, such as Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Bonefish Grill.

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2. Where are Outback Steakhouse restaurants closing?

The company has not released a full list of closures. However, from local news reports, we know that stores have closed in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, and Iowa.

In addition, every Outback Steakhouse in Hawaii and New Hampshire has shut down. Outback Steakhouse currently has 677 locations across the U.S.

3. When are Outback Steakhouse restaurants closing?

As of Feb. 23, all 41 restaurant closures owned by Bloomin’ Brands were completed. No other 2024 closings have been announced at this time.

The restaurants that have closed were underperforming locations, according to Bloomin’ Brands.

4. How many Outback Steakhouse restaurants are opening?

While Bloomin’ Brands has closed 41 locations, the news isn’t all grim: In fact, the company is opening enough new restaurant locations to offset the loss.

During the most recent earnings call, David Deno, CEO of Bloomin’ Brands, announced that the company plans to open 40 to 45 new restaurants across the system in 2024.

It’s unclear how many of these will be Outback Steakhouses and how many will be other restaurants that Bloomin’ Brands owns. But it is still encouraging news for customers.

5. Which other Bloomin' Brands restaurants are closing?

As mentioned previously, Outback's parent company also owns other restaurant chains, including Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.

While we don't have a breakdown of exactly how many locations each brand is closing down, local reports note that Bonefish Grill locations in New Jersey and Virginia have closed, along with at least three Carrabba's restaurants in New York state.

6. Can you get a refund on your Outback Steakhouse gift card?

If your nearest Outback Steakhouse has closed its doors and you have an Outback gift card, you may be able to get a refund on the balance.

Email the company gift card department at GiftCardTeam@BloominBrands.com with your name, address, and photos of the front and back of the card. While it’s in your interest to act quickly to get a refund, the company hasn’t published a time limit for issuing one.

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7. More about Outback Steakhouse

Despite its inspiration from the “land down under,” Outback Steakhouse got its start in Tampa, Florida, in 1988.

The restaurant is famous for its steaks (of course), ribs, chicken, seafood, pasta, and the iconic Bloomin’ Onion — a 1-pound onion partially sliced into 200 petals, battered, and deep-fried into a flowering, mouth-watering appetizer.

One could argue that this starter dish is more famous than the steaks, as one-quarter of appetizers ordered at Outback are Bloomin’ Onions.

Bottom line

While the fact that several beloved Outback Steakhouse restaurants are closing is hardly good news, the company’s plan to open more new restaurants is encouraging.

And if your Outback is closing and no new restaurant is expected to open in your area, cheer up: Use the money you save from not eating out to crush your debt in 2024.

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