Outback Steakhouse Closing Stores: Full 2026 Shutdown List and What It Means for Your Local Restaurant

Subhead: Ten Locations Go Dark as Major Franchisee Declares Bankruptcy Outback Steakhouse fans in the West were stunned this week when 10 restaurants quietly locked their doors between Oct. 11 and Oct. 25. The shuttered units were all operated by Cerca Trova Restaurant Group—also known as Out West Restaurant Group—which filed for Chapter 11 protection on Nov. 4 after citing relentless food-and-labor inflation and sliding sales. Subhead: Where the Steakhouse Closures Happened Court filings show the permanent closures span four Western states. Colorado customers were hit hardest, losing these dining rooms: • 7065 Commerce Center Dr., Colorado Springs • 15 W. Springer Dr., Highlands Ranch • 2066 S. Abilene St., Aurora • 8601 W. Cross Dr., Littleton Additional restaurants in California, Arizona and Nevada also exited the system, but their addresses have not yet been released publicly. Subhead: What the Bankruptcy Means for 61 Remaining Units Cerca Trova still runs 61 Outback Steakhouse locations across Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico. Parent company Bloomin’ Brands has agreed to buy those restaurants in a $26.3 million stalking-horse bid designed to keep doors open and staff employed during the bankruptcy process. The acquisition still needs court approval, but executives insist guests “will not notice a difference in day-to-day operations.” Subhead: Why Outback Is Trimming Its Footprint • Rising minimum wages and higher commodity costs squeezed franchise margins, especially in California. • Consumers continue to shift toward delivery and quick-service options, leaving some full-service dining rooms underutilized. • Bloomin’ Brands has already targeted up to 21 underperforming corporate stores for closure as part of a multi-year turnaround strategy announced last year. Subhead: Could Your Local Outback Close Next? Industry analysts say Bloomin’ Brands is accelerating a “shrink-to-grow” plan: exiting high-rent boxes and reinvesting in remodeled prototypes with smaller footprints and larger take-out staging areas. Locations with declining traffic or lapsed leases are most at risk. Customers can monitor future WARN notices filed with state labor departments, which typically surface 60 days before a permanent closure. Subhead: What to Do if Your Favorite Store Shuts Down • Check Outback’s online locator for the nearest open restaurant. • Look for limited-time “closure specials” as nearby units absorb displaced staff and inventory. • Sign up for the Dine-Rewards program to receive relocation coupons and menu updates. Bottom Line The latest Outback Steakhouse store closures underscore how inflation, shifting diner preferences and tight margins are forcing legacy casual-dining chains to rethink real estate. While Bloomin’ Brands moves to rescue 61 Western restaurants, more pruning appears likely—meaning steak-and-Bloomin’-Onion fans should keep an eye on their local marquee.