https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/rising-food-costs-prompt-big-outback-steakhouse-franchisee-to-file-for-bankruptcyContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/rising-food-costs-prompt-big-outback-steakhouse-franchisee-to-file-for-bankruptcyhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/rising-food-costs-prompt-big-outback-steakhouse-franchisee-to-file-for-bankruptcy#u191133Tue, 10 Nov 2026 12:27:39 +0000Outback Steakhouse's former largest franchisee, Out West Restaurant Group, also known as Cerca Trova Restaurant Group, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in US Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Delaware. The San Diego-based operator cited rising food and labor costs, declining customer traffic, and lingering struggles since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chapter 11 filing lists $449 million in debt and follows the closure of 13 restaurants, leaving 61 remaining Western locations up for sale. Parent company Bloomin Brands has made an opening bid of $26.3 million for the assets.Why it mattersThe ban