Bloomin’ Brands, the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, is laying off about 100 employees at its headquarters in Tampa, Florida.
The cuts will affect about 17% of staff across numerous departments at the company’s home office, which is known as the Restaurant Support Center.
In an SEC filing on Thursday, Bloomin’ said the move is intended to realign the business after it refranchised its Brazilian operations in December. It also cited challenging industry trends and a desire to focus on growth and efficiency.
“The Company believes this will further support its long-term strategy and path to sustainable growth in traffic, comparable sales, and profitability,” it said in the filing.
The company also announced two executive changes as part of its new operating model. Lissette Gonzalez, who was previously EVP, chief supply chain and operations excellence officer, is now EVP and chief commercial office. Kelia Bazile, formerly VP of operations for Bonefish Grill, was promoted to president of Carrabba's Italian Grill.
Those follow the promotion of Patrick Hafner to EVP and president of Outback last month.
Outback, Bloomin’s largest concept, has struggled in recent years. Same-store sales at the 674-unit steakhouse chain have declined in five straight quarters amid a pullback in consumer spending and stiff competition in casual dining, particularly in the steak segment.
Bloomin’ also owns Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Fleming’s Prime. All told, the company operates or franchises more than 1,450 restaurants in 13 countries.
Over the past year, Bloomin’s stock is down nearly 56%, and it has attracted an activist investor, Starboard Value, that is pushing for changes. In August, Bloomin’ named former Delta Air Lines COO Mike Spanos as its new CEO, replacing David Deno, who retired after 12 years with the company.
Bloomin’ is just the latest restaurant company to announce layoffs during a tough time for the industry. Late last month, Applebee’s and IHOP parent Dine Brands cut about 9% of corporate staff. Starbucks, Panera Bread, Noodles & Company and Duck Donuts have all made similar moves in recent months.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.