Chain steakhouse to close.
Tampa, Florida-based Outback Steakhouse, part of multi-concept restaurant operator Bloomin' Brands, Inc. plans to close its restaurant on Roswell Road in Buckhead August 10th. The restaurant is located in a Roswell Road facing endcap within Buckhead Court, just north of Powers Ferry Square. (Both centers are owned and managed by Jacksonville, Florida-based Regency Centers)
I first heard talk of this planned closure in February, but up until now it was just talk. The restaurant has confirmed that they are opting not to renew their lease and are closing. Well placed sources say that this specific Outback location has struggled for years and never really lived up to corporate expectations. The restaurant has been in business for about 20 years, opening around 1994. Outback Steakhouse as a company started in Tampa in 1988.
Casual, mid scale restaurants have struggled more than any other dining segment. Diners either trade down to fast casual offerings like Panera and Smashburger or trade up to higher end, full service offerings such as Bone's or Chops. The Outbacks, Olive Gardens, Red Lobsters, Bennigans and Chilis of the world, among others, are all fighting for survival in a changing world.
Well placed retail sources say that Regency is looking for a "chef-driven" restaurant to replace Outback. Earlier this year, Regency replaced a shuttered Dunkin' Donuts at Powers Ferry Square with a bartaco.
What would you like to see open in place of Outback? Were you, like many, amazed it lasted as long as it has? Are you only now finding out there was an Outback Steakhouse in Buckhead?
Please share your thoughts below.