The culinary scene at Jacksonville Beach is changing as the Outback Steakhouse at 3760 South 3rd St., a staple for more than three decades, has closed its doors for good. The restaurant confirmed the permanent shuttering on its Facebook page and left a parting message on its phone line for customers, expressing thanks and directing them to nearby locations for their dining needs.
While the message bid a genial farewell, the details surrounding the decision to close this particular Outback Steakhouse were not disclosed however, it comes on the heels of previous announcements from Bloomin' Brands, the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, which last year cited the need to close "underperforming" stores, according to First Coast News. Bloomin' Brands CEO David Deno had referenced older leases from the 1990s and 2000s as part of the rationale for these closures.
At the end of 2023, Bloomin’ had 1,480 restaurants across its portfolio, which includes Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bars, and a handful of Aussie Grills. Whether the Jacksonville Beach location was part of the 41 restaurants initially slated to be closed has not been made clear by the company; however, the Action News Jax report reflected the widespread impact of the closures, not just for the Outback brand but also its sister eateries.
The community has bid farewell to what was an Australian-inspired culinary presence for many, and the swift closure took many by surprise, as noted by The Florida Times-Union; a company spokesperson confirmed the closure to them today, Oct. 29, highlighting the abrupt nature of the restaurant's departure from the local dining landscape.
