SEABROOK — Outback Steakhouse in Seabrook was one of dozens of locations across the United States permanently shut down last week by the chain’s parent company.
U-Haul trucks were seen outside the restaurant at 712 Lafayette Road (Route 1) Monday, with crews moving out equipment and furniture. According to the recording on the restaurant’s Seabrook phone, the eatery “is permanently closed,” with advice that callers visit Outback.com to find other Outback locations still open for business.
The Outback location in Seabrook was the only one in New Hampshire.
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Owned by Florida-headquartered Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., Outback is just one of the food service company’s chain restaurants, which also includes Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill and Aussie Grill.
Elizabeth Daly, director of media and community relations for Bloomin’ Brands, Inc, said “closing a restaurant is never easy.”
“This was a business decision that is not a reflection of the management or staff,” she said. “We appreciate the community’s support over the past 8 years and hope to see you at our Peabody restaurant.”
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According to the Feb. 23, 2024, announcement to investors posted on the Bloomin’ Brands website, in the last quarter of 2023, the company decided “to close 36 predominantly older, underperforming restaurants and three U.S. and two international Aussie Grill restaurants.” The expectation was that all closings would be completed during the first quarter of 2024, which ends March 31.
Additionally, the report also indicated the company would be opening “40 to 45 system-wide restaurants.”
A majority of the restaurants closing “were older assets with leases from the ’90s and early 2000s,” according to Bloomin’ CEO David Deno.
In the announcement to investors, Deno said, “The fourth quarter was a good finish to 2023, especially the holiday season. As we head into 2024, we remain focused on elevating the guest experience that in turn will drive sales and profit growth at Outback Steakhouse and all of our brands.”
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Seabrook shocked by Outback Steakhouse closing
Many on local social media pages were upset about the lack of notice Seabrook’s Outback employees received of the closing with some expressing concern for employees who lost their jobs.
In addition, there were comments about what to do with still unused Outback gift certificates.
Daly said employees will have the opportunity to transfer to another restaurant. Those who do not, she said, will receive a severance package.
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If guests have questions about gift cards, Daly said they can call 813-282-1224 ext. 3032.
According to the office of the Seabrook tax collector, 712 Lafayette Road is not owned by Bloomin ‘Brands, Inc., but by B33 Seabrook Commons 2, LLC, the owner of Seabrook Commons Shopping Center, headquartered in Las Vegas.
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CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
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An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment. He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
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McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
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New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads. The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
WILTON, N.H. (WHDH) – A woman died in a Wilton, New Hampshire, house fire Wednesday morning, according to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.
At 9:08 a.m., Wilton firefighters responded to Burns Hill Road after a caller said their home was filling up with smoke. When they arrived, a single-family home was on fire and they found out two people were still inside on the second floor.
A man and a woman were both taken out of the house by firefighters and taken to Elliott Hospital. The woman was pronounced dead and the man is in serious condition.
Officials have not released the name of the victim at this time.
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At this time, investigators are looking into the cause of the fire and are trying to determine if a power outage in the area played a factor. The fire is not currently considered suspicious.
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