Swansea Outback restaurant damaged by fire has no plans to reopen, spokesperson says
Outback Steakhouse in Swansea will not reopen after a fire damaged the restaurant earlier this year.
An inquiry to Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., which owns multiple restaurant brands including Outback Steakhouse, was answered by Elizabeth Daly, director of media & community relations, who stated that the “location is permanently closed and will not reopen.”
Restaurant owner Ginny Ham could not be immediately reached for comment.
Results from a Google search lists the restaurant as permanently closed, and the Swansea location is no longer included on the Outback website’s list of locations.
Fire damaged the restaurant at 4390 N. Illinois St. in the early hours of April 24. At the time, Ham started seeking estimates for repairs in hopes of reopening. “We’re going to do our best to get open as fast as we can for our community,” Ham said.
The Australian-themed Swansea restaurant first opened in early 1995 and was originally owned by Victor Shipley. Ham took over ownership over a year ago.
Outback is known for its deep-fried Bloomin’ Onions, which became popular in the 1990s.
Outback Steakhouse was founded in the 1980s by four friends – Chris Sullivan, Robert Basham, Tim Gannon and Trudy Cooper, who were all veterans of the hospitality industry, according to the Outback website. The first location opened in March 1988 in Tampa, Florida.
In addition to Outback Steakhouse, Tampa-based Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.’s holdings include Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Fleming’s Print Steakhouse & Wine Bar, and Aussie Grill by Outback.
