60+ Outback Steakhouse locations to close after franchisee files for bankruptcy. Here’s where

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1. 20m ago

   Outback franchisee bankruptcy puts 60-plus restaurants on closure list

   One of Outback Steakhouse's largest franchisees filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, triggering the closure of more than 60 locations across multiple states. Court filings confirm the franchisee intends to sell or shutter the affected restaurants as part of the restructuring process. The closures represent a significant portion of the franchisee's portfolio but not the entire Outback chain, which is owned by Bloomin' Brands. Employees and landlords at the listed sites face immediate uncertainty as liquidation timelines take shape.

   Why it matters

   The bankruptcy filing marks the most substantial franchisee collapse in Outback's recent history and reflects broader pressure on casual-dining operators from rising labor and food costs. Because the franchisee operated a geographically diverse portfolio, the impact spreads across the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest rather than concentrating in a single market. Bloomin' Brands has not assumed direct operating responsibility for the closing units.

   What is confirmed

   • One of Outback Steakhouse's largest franchisees filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
   • More than 60 Outback locations are slated for closure or sale as part of the bankruptcy.
   • The affected restaurants span multiple states across the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest.
   • Bloomin' Brands owns the Outback chain but is not the debtor in this filing.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Specific state-by-state closure lists have been published by local news outlets.

   What to watch next

   • Bankruptcy court approval of the closure timeline and sale procedures
   • Bloomin' Brands statement on whether it will re-franchise or operate any saved locations
   • Landlord actions on leases for the shuttered sites
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. www.live5news.com — WCSC | Live 5 News
   2. www.azfamily.com — AZ Family | KTVK 3TV & KPHO CBS 5 | Phoenix, Arizona
   3. Fast Company — Outback Steakhouse store closures: See a list of doomed locations as franchisee files for bankruptcy
   4. Detroit Free Press — Outback Steakhouse franchisee files bankruptcy. Is Michigan affected?
   5. Cincinnati Enquirer — Outback Steakhouse closes 10 restaurants. Are Ohio locations safe?
   6. FOX Carolina News — 60+ Outback Steakhouse locations to close after franchisee files for bankruptcy. Here’s where
   7. AZ Family — 60+ Outback Steakhouse locations to be sold after franchisee files for bankruptcy. Here’s where
   8. www.newschannel6now.com — 60+ Outback Steakhouse locations to close after franchisee files for bankruptcy. Here’s where
   9. www.aol.com — Is Outback Steakhouse closing? Chapter 11 bankruptcy explained - AOL
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