Eating Out Tonight? Maybe Not!

By Robin Itzler 

Editor's Note:  This is one of the commentaries selected from Robin's weekly newsletter Patriot Neighbors. Any cartoons appearing will have been added by me.  If you wish to get the full edition,   E-mail her at PatriotNeighbors@yahoo.com to get on her list, it's free.  RK

As more proof Bidenomics is NOT working, restaurant chains are closing or closing locations. The buzzword many corporations use with these announcements is “under-performing.” Duh, maybe they are under-performing because Bidenflation gives Americans less money to spend outside of necessities. Here is a sampling of some regional and national chains: Applebee’s – Its parent company, Dine Brands Global, is on schedule to close 25 to 35 locations this year. In 2023, they closed 33 restaurants.

Boston Markets – In 2023, the chain had 300 locations. Today it’s less than 30. Restaurant Business reports that this is due to alleged evictions, lawsuits and unpaid bills.

Burger King – In May 2023, the company announced plans to close between 300 – 400 U.S. locations.

Cracker Barrel – Will close four locations: one in Oregon and South Carolina and two in California.

Denny’s – In 2023, the chain shuttered 57 locations and anticipates 10 to 20 closing before this year is over. Fuddruckers – At its height, the restaurant was the leader in the gourmet burger market. The restaurant chain will be gone by the end of the year.

IHOP – Approximately 100 locations are expected to close in 2024.

Marie Callendars – All remaining locations will soon be gone.

MOD Pizza – Restaurant Business reports that 26 underperforming restaurants closed in the first quarter of 2024. Outback Steakhouses – Bloomin’ Brands, which owns Outback, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish, and Fleming’s closed 41 underperforming locations.

Pizza Hut – Shuttering about 500 restaurants and focusing on take-out and delivery.

PDQ – If you are in North or South Carolina, you know this chain. The fast-food chicken eatery closed eight of its locations.

Red Lobster – The chain declared bankruptcy in May and immediately started closing 93 locations. (That will do it when your debt obligations are $1+ BILLION and cash reserves are less than $30 million.)

Ruby Tuesday – At least 16 underperforming restaurants will be closing.

TGI Friday’s – Moving forward on its January announcement to close 36 underperforming locations