43 Outback, Carrabba's and Bonefish Grill restaurants close, 3 locally

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Bloomin' Brands, the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, Carrabba's Grill, and Fleming's Steakhouse, announced that the company will shut 43 of its 1,500 locations.

The company has a mix of 1,500 owned and franchised restaurants in 48 states, as well as Puerto Rico and 20 countries.

Locally, the company has closed three restaurants:

-Carrabba's in Egg Harbor, New Jersey
-Carrabba's in Marlton (Evesham), New Jersey
-Outback Steakhouse in Lawrenceville, New Jersey

The last day of business for all three was February 15.

Bloomin' Brands says that these stores were underperforming.

"Closing a restaurant is a difficult decision. It was based purely on business circumstances and has no reflection on employees or their service," the company said in a statement to Action News.

Bloomin Brands says they have provided severance for all employees and are working to place as many as possible in their other restaurants.