The Outback Steakhouse location in Cedar Rapids permanently closed its doors Feb. 23, ending the Australian-themed chain’s presence in Eastern Iowa.
A notice posted on the front door of the restaurant, at 3939 First Ave. SE, confirmed that the restaurant is closed and directs visitors to the company’s website for other locations.
Outback has three remaining restaurants in Iowa, in Ankeny, Clive and Sioux City. An Outback location in Coralville closed in 2014, and a Davenport location closed in 2019.
Outback’s parent company, Bloomin’ Brands, said in an earnings call Feb. 23 that it had closed 41 “underperforming locations” for its various brands, including Outback, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Fleming’s.
“The majority of these restaurants were older assets with leases from the ‘90s and early 2000s,” Bloomin’ Brands CEO David Deno said. “This decision considered a variety of factors, including sales and traffic, trade areas, and the investment that would have to be made to improve the restaurants … these closures are not a reflection on the hard work of our team members. As always, we will take care of our people, offering many the opportunity to transfer to another restaurant and severance for those who do not.”
However, as part of the earnings call, Mr. Deno also said the company plans to open as many as 18 new Outback restaurants in the United States under a revamped layout.
The company currently has about 700 Outback locations in the U.S.
Several restaurants have operated at the Cedar Rapids Outback location over the years, including the Cock-a Doodle Doo from 1962 to 1970, the Ground Round from 1974 to 1983 and Bonanza Steakhouse from 1985 to 1995. The Outback Steakhouse opened in 1997.
