Staten Island’s only Outback Steakhouse is suddenly closing its doors after 20 years.
Would-be patrons found themselves locked out of the chain restaurant on August 10th, with a letter on the door dotted with hearts and printed on official Outback stationery. It read:
“To all of our guests who have walked through our doors over the years — thank you. Thank you for choosing us for family dinners, celebrations, date nights, quick meals and countless special moments. It has truly been our privilege to serve you and be part of the Staten Island community…We will miss you, Staten Island, and we sincerely thank you for being part of our Outback family. Please come see many of our staff from this location who will be transferring to our location in Brooklyn.”
Outback Steakhouse has occupied its spot in the Staten Island Mall-owned Marsh Avenue location since March 2006 and has outlasted a TGI Friday’s, a Carrabba’s Italian Grill, a Lobo Loco, and a Ricky’s Candy, Cones, and Chaos. Representatives from the Staten Island Mall have not commented on the closure as of writing.
The closure comes less than a year after Outback’s parent company, Bloomin’ Brands, announced the planned closure of 40 locations across the United States. All 661 locations have been listed on Outback’s website, and the Staten Island location has already been removed.
Staten Islanders have taken to Facebook to say they are unsurprised that Outback is closing, citing complaints about cleanliness and food quality.
“Their food went so far downhill and got so expensive that it was only a matter of time before this happened,” commented Staten Island food group member Anthony Parisi, before adding humorously, “I wonder what’s going to replace it. We could definitely use another Italian restaurant on this island. I really don’t think there are enough.”
Another member, Michael Coleman, commented, “When was the last time you [meaning members of the group] walked in here? Place is filthy. Food is nasty. And the workers don’t give two sh*ts. So yea, expected.”
One group surprised by the closure is the Outback Steakhouse employees, who reportedly found out when they showed up to work on the 10th. Those not transferring to the Brooklyn location are receiving only $100-$400 in severance pay.
The vacant building next door that held both TGI Friday’s and Lobo Loco will be home to a Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings come 2027.
valariedamico 
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