Outback Steakhouse closures: a timeline from 2024–2026 and what it means for customers and the brand
Bloomin’ Brands, the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, is undergoing a deliberate turnaround that has included consolidating the footprint, refreshing remaining locations, and reallocating capital toward renovations and improvements. The pattern of closures over 2024–2026 reflects a strategic pruning of underperforming stores rather than a sudden collapse of the brand. As of mid-2026, the company reported a count of 659 Outback locations in the United States, with ongoing consolidation and renovation efforts shaping the next phase of its strategy. Reports from media and the company itself note that a larger wave of closures occurred in early 2024, followed by continued shrinkage through 2025 and the first half of 2026.
February 2024 wave: the first major round in the turnaround
The most significant early round of closures happened in February 2024, when Bloomin’ Brands shut down a large number of restaurants, with Outback locations forming the majority of the total. This wave marked the turning point in the company’s efforts to reset performance, balance leases, and refocus on core markets. Close followers of the company noted that the wave included numerous Outback stores across multiple states, signaling a broad, company-wide prioritization of long-term stability over rapid expansion.
February 2024 closures: where the locations were
Public reporting documented closures across several states, including Pennsylvania (Susquehanna Township and Patton Township), Illinois (Mount Prospect), Florida (Jupiter, North Miami Beach, Orlando, Sarasota), Michigan (Kentwood, Roseville), Ohio (Akron), Iowa (Cedar Rapids), Hawaii (Kapolei, Kona, Waipio), and New Hampshire (Seabrook). These locations illustrate the geographic breadth of the wave and underscore how the company evaluated performance on a market-by-market basis. The wave represented a turning point in the portfolio, signaling a shift toward a leaner footprint as part of the broader turnaround plan.
Eight locations confirmed in 2025–2026 closures (with full addresses)
Beyond the 2024 wave, Bloomin’ Brands reported additional closures during 2025 and the first half of 2026. The following Outback Steakhouse locations were reported as closed in this period: Birmingham, Alabama – 20th Street North at 20 Midtown; Birmingham, Alabama – Inverness location on U.S. 280; Jacksonville Beach, Florida – 3760 South 3rd Street; Naples, Florida – 4910 U.S. 41 North; Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Jones Creek Boulevard; Silver Spring, Maryland – 8661 Colesville Road in Ellsworth Place Mall; Merrick, New York – 2124 Merrick Mall; Madison, Wisconsin – 4520 E. Towne Boulevard (noting that Bonefish Grill in Madison at 7345 Mineral Point Road is a separate concept). These closures illustrate a continued retrenchment as the company executes its plan to prioritize higher-performing sites.
Why these closures are happening
The closures are framed by Bloomin’ Brands as a deliberate part of a broader turnaround strategy. The company cites underperforming locations, older leases, and evolving trade-area dynamics as key factors in the decision to shutter certain stores. Executives have described the move as a way to improve overall performance and position the brand for a more sustainable future. In the context of this strategy, Bloomin’ Brands also paused its dividend to reallocate capital toward debt reduction, renovations, and other operational improvements, signaling a prioritization of long‑term stability over short‑term payouts. The plan includes a multi-year investment to refresh the remaining Outback locations and enhance the guest experience.
What’s next for Outback and Bloomin’ Brands
Bloomin’ Brands has outlined a comprehensive turnaround that centers on improving guest experience and restaurant economics rather than merely shrinking the footprint. The company plans to invest about $50 million over the coming years to refresh menus, improve service, and renovate restaurants. Nearly all of the remaining Outback locations are expected to receive renovations through 2028, featuring brighter interiors, updated bars, and layouts optimized for takeout and pickup. The shift suggests a tighter, more modern footprint aimed at driving higher quality and better value for guests, even as the number of locations declines.
Is your local Outback at risk? How to assess risk
Readers hoping to determine whether their nearby Outback might close should consider several risk factors Bloomin’ Brands uses in its evaluations: older leases, underperformance relative to peers and the trade-area dynamics that influence foot traffic. A practical step is to consult the company’s official restaurant locator or any formal notices from Bloomin’ Brands about closures in your area. In addition, watching for signs such as revenue declines, reduced dining room capacity, or changes in service models can provide early indicators. This structured approach helps readers gauge risk without relying on rumors or incomplete reports.
Counts, context, and what they imply
Company disclosures indicate 659 Outback Steakhouse locations were operating in the United States as of the second quarter of 2026, down from earlier figures reported as “more than 670.” The discrepancy reflects reporting at different points during ongoing closures; readers should treat 659 as the current count and recognize that numbers cited in other outlets may refer to earlier milestones. In late 2025, Bloomin’ Brands disclosed 21 U.S. restaurant closures in the three months ending September, and the first half of 2026 saw an additional 19 closures. Separately, an August 2024 projection suggested 15 new Outback locations could open by December 2024, though it remains unclear whether that target was met. These numbers collectively illustrate the brand’s transition from rapid expansion toward a more selective, profitability-focused strategy.
Human impact and notable moments
Beyond the balance sheet, closures have tangible human consequences. In Ohio, the Akron Outback closure drew public attention when Savannah James commented, “Nooooo @kingjames!!! Our first date memories.” The exchange underscored the emotional resonance these local spots hold for customers and employees alike, highlighting the real-world impact of corporate strategic shifts. Some closures have stunned employees and loyal guests who relied on these restaurants for years, illustrating the human side of a major brand’s strategic pivot.
Geographic impact of the closures
Geographically, the closures have reshaped where Outback locations remain. Notably, the Seabrook, New Hampshire location was shuttered, which left two New England states—Maine and New Hampshire—without a single Outback. This kind of geographic narrowing demonstrates how the company’s footprint is being refined and concentrated into markets judged to be higher-potential or more efficient to operate under the new plan.
Practical takeaway for readers
If you’re trying to determine whether your local Outback is at risk, use the risk factors described above and verify status via the official Bloomin’ Brands locator or public notices. As locations shift, budgeting for dining out may require adjustments—renovations and pricing changes can accompany the brand’s smaller, more modern footprint. Remaining informed helps diners plan meals, promotions, and budgets with a clearer sense of what to expect from the Outback brand in the months ahead.
Looking ahead
The Outback story is not one of disappearance but transformation. The brand is shrinking in number but recalibrating for a more sustainable growth path, with renovations and a tightened network designed to improve guest experience and long-term profitability. For readers, this means staying alert to local changes, understanding risk factors, and considering how a smaller footprint could affect convenience, pricing, and dining options in their area.