HAWAII has lost two longtime restaurants, leaving customers without their favorite dining spot.
The beloved chain Outback Steakhouse has announced it closed its doors after two decades of feeding locals, according to a company official.
The larger Outback, located on Maui in Kihei, closed on February 19.
On the island of Oahu, the Outback at Hawaii Kai shut down a week later on February 26.
Both branches have been forced to close due to expiring leases, a company spokesperson told local ABC affiliate KITV.
“We’ve enjoyed serving both these communities for the past 22 years and appreciate everyone’s support! We look forward to seeing our Honolulu guests at our Waipio or Kapolei locations,” Elizabeth Daily, the media director and community relations for Bloomin’ Brands Inc, the chain's parent company, told KITV.
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WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE SPACE?
It won't be long until another business swoops in as a replacement.
The restaurant chain Scratch Kitchen is opening at the space in Hawaii Kai later this month.
Scratch Kitchen, is a brunch and dinner restaurant that serves upscale southern-inspired comfort food.
Hawaii Kai Towne Center officials told KITV that the restaurant's prime location fronting the busy Kalanianaole Highway has a unique advantage, due to the maximum exposure to the drivers who pass it daily.
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However, Scratch Kitchen is inviting former Outback employees to hold onto their position.
CAN HAWAIIANS STILL VISIT OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE?
Yes, but they may have to travel farther.
There are three more Outback Steakhouse restaurants in Hawaii, which are not closing.
There remains another Outback in Oahu and Maui and the third restaurant on Kailua-Kona on the Big Island.
OTHER CLOSURES TO KNOW ABOUT
A popular Mexican restaurant has closed after almost 30 years of business, leaving fans heartbroken.
Alvarez Restaurant in Cherry Valley, Illinois, shut its doors for the last time on March 25.
And, Red Lobster, another major brand, has taken the tough decision to close several outlets.
Red Lobster's eatery in San Jose, California, closed permanently after 39 years of trading earlier this month.
In January, chiefs decided to shut down a Red Lobster restaurant in Beachwood, Ohio.
The restaurant served Americans for more than 45 years but was reportedly underperforming compared to other branches.
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