The company laid off about 100 workers, or about 17% of support center staff, in a restructuring
Bloomin’ Brands Inc., parent to Outback Steakhouse, has laid off about 100 workers in its corporate support offices and promoted several individuals to new roles, the company said this week.
“We recently made organizational changes that reflect our domestic focus following the sale of our operations in Brazil,” a spokesperson said. “Any business decision that personally impacts team members is difficult, but we are taking great measures to support those leaving the company, including offering severance and outplacement assistance.”
As part of the restructuring, Kelia Bazile, former vice president of operations for Bonefish Grill, was promoted to president of Carrabba’s Italian Grill, succeeding Patrick Hafner, who was named president of Outback Steakhouse in January.
In Securities and Exchange Commission filings Thursday, Bloomin’ said it was reducing the employees at its headquarters in Tampa, Fla.
“The reduction will impact approximately 100 employees across various operational units that support corporate administration and restaurant operations, or about 17% of the Restaurant Support Center team members,” the company said.
The company sold off its Brazilian division in December of last year.
“This action is intended to align the company’s cost structure with the current size of its business following the strategic re-franchising of its Brazil operations in December 2024, ongoing challenging industry trends, and increased focus on high priority growth opportunities and operational efficiency,” Bloomin’ said in its filings. “The company believes this will further support its long-term strategy and path to sustainable growth in traffic, comparable sales, and profitability.”
The layoffs will cost an estimated $7.5 million, the company said, for severance and other benefit terminations.
As part of the restructuring, the company is also making changes to its executive leadership team, including Bazile.
Lissette Gonzalez, who had been serving as chief supply chain and operations excellence officer since October 2023, was named chief commercial officer.
Bloomin’ Brands, which also owns Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, has more than 1,450 restaurants in 46 states, Guam, and 13 countries.
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