Beloved Steakhouse Chain, More Than 30 Years Old, Closing Locations
Going to a steakhouse can make for an enjoyable dinner or celebration, especially if that steakhouse is a longtime favorite, but now, one chain that's been around for more than 30 years is closing locations across the country.
Bloomin' Brands, the parent company for Outback Steakhouse, has announced that it will close around 40 U.S. Outback locations in 2026. Outback got its start in 1988, so the restaurant has a long history, making it even sadder to see these locations go.
The company has four brands, including Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Together, they own and operate more than 1,450 restaurants in 46 states, Guam and 12 countries, according to company research.
Popular Steakhouse Shutting Down 40 Locations, But That Still Leaves 600 Worldwide
According to a report from Tasting Table, in 2025, Bloomin' Brands closed 21 locations and announced it would also close around 22 additional restaurants in the future. "While it didn't say exactly how many of each of the three chains would be closing, it has indicated that the date of closures for these restaurants will coincide with the ending of the lease for each location, with some expected to shut down in the distant 2029," the reported added.
Tasting Table also said that the changes would "still leave Carrabba's with around 200 units, Bonefish somewhere in the 100s and Outback with approximately 600 restaurants."
As for the 40 Outback closures, according to the company's earnings report, those started in October 2025 and are running through 2026. They didn't give a tally of specific restaurants that have closed or are expected to close, however.
"We have great momentum in our business as demonstrated by our third quarter results," Mike Spanos, CEO, said in a statement. "All four brands drove positive comparable store sales growth for the first time since Q1 2023. Our teams continue to focus on consistency of execution in food quality and the guest experience, the foundation for our turnaround."
He added, "I am excited to announce our turnaround strategy, with a focus on the Outback Steakhouse brand. In support of our strategy, we will reallocate available free cash flow into strategic investments in our base business and pay down debt. As a result, we have suspended the dividend. We believe our strategic plan will drive long-term, sustainable and profitable growth."
Pizza Hut was founded in 1958 by two brothers, Dan and Frank Carney, who borrowed $600 from their mom to open a pizza place in Wichita, Kansas." According to the company, "They named it Pizza Hut, because their sign only had room for eight letters."
Outback Steakhouse was founded in 1988 by four friends "with the dream of opening their own restaurant: a place casual in atmosphere, with quality food and service at the top of the list," according to the company. "Chris Sullivan, Robert Basham, Tim Gannon, and Trudy Cooper, all sterling veterans of the hospitality industry."