"Outback Steakhouse Parent Company Shuts Down 41 Under-Performing Restaurants"

The Outback Steakhouse on South Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, a once-popular restaurant with deep ties to the Tampa Bay area, has permanently closed as part of Bloomin' Brands' decision to shut down 41 underperforming locations. The closure, affecting older assets with leases from the '90s and early 2000s, was announced by Bloomin' Brands CEO David Deno. While some employees may have the opportunity to transfer, others will receive a severance package. Despite this initiative, Bloomin' Brands plans to open 40 to 45 new restaurants across the system in 2024.