Italian chain closes Kansas City area location of 23 years. ‘Never easy’
The Kansas City metro is down one Italian restaurant.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill has closed its Independence location of 23 years at 19900 E. Valley View Parkway.
The spot’s last day was Sunday, according to the restaurant’s parent company, Bloomin’ Brands. The company also owns Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar.
“Closing a restaurant is never easy,” spokeswoman Elizabeth Daly said in a written statement to The Star. “This was a business decision that is not a reflection of the management or staff.”
Daly said Bloomin’ Brand’s other area restaurants will remain open, including a Carrabba’s in Overland Park at 10586 Metcalf Ave.
Bloomin’ Brands is currently facing a handful of closures across the country as part of a broader “turnaround” plan for the brand, according to several outlets including USA Today.
The exact number of total restaurants closed is not known.
Last year, Bloomin’ Brands closed Bonefish Grill in the Northland, along with 40 other restaurants across its portfolio of brands.
Bonefish Grill has one location in Leawood at 5021 W. 135th St.
Outback Steakhouse has two locations, one in Overland Park at 9501 Quivira Road and another in the Northland at 7006 NW Barry Road.