Merrick Outback Steakhouse Shuts Down After 30 Years of Service

Outback Steakhouse has permanently closed its Merrick location after nearly 30 years of service. The closure reflects ongoing challenges faced by casual restaurant chains in adapting to shifting consumer preferences and rising operational costs.

Closure Details

The Merrick Outback, located at 2124 Merrick Mall at the corner of Smith Street and Merrick Avenue, ceased operations on October 26, 2023. This news was confirmed by Bloomin’ Brands, the parent company based in Tampa, Florida, which owns several restaurant chains, including Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Bonefish Grill. The closure follows Bloomin’ Brands’ earlier decision to shutter its remaining Carrabba’s locations on Long Island last year.

Impact on Employees

Elizabeth Daly, a spokeswoman for Bloomin’ Brands, stated that team members were offered the option to transfer to nearby establishments and received a transition bonus. The total number of affected employees has not been disclosed.

Nationwide Trends in Restaurant Closures

The closure of the Merrick Outback aligns with a national decline in foot traffic at casual dining establishments. Other chains, including Red Lobster and Friendly’s, have also reduced their number of locations in recent years. Outback’s reputation for popular dishes like the “bloomin’ onion” has not insulated it from the restaurant industry’s difficulties.

Declining Restaurant Numbers

According to data from Technomic, the number of Outback Steakhouse locations across the United States has fallen significantly. Current figures show 670 hospitals in 2025, down from 724 in 2020. This decline is indicative of broader market challenges, including inflation and competitive pressures.

• Outback’s sales decreased by 4% last year.
• Competitors Texas Roadhouse and LongHorn Steakhouse saw sales increases of 15% and 7%, respectively.
• Bloomin’ Brands reported revenues of $3.95 billion for the fiscal year 2024, down from $4.17 billion in 2023.

Community Support and Future Outlook

Despite the closure, Daly expressed gratitude for the community support over the years. Outback Steakhouse continues to operate six locations across Long Island, including Westbury, Lindenhurst, Commack, Holbrook, East Setauket, and Island Park.

As the restaurant industry continues to face unique challenges, it remains to be seen how Outback and its competitors will adapt to the changing landscape.