Outback Steakhouse unexpectedly closes all Shanghai outlets
One outlet of Outback Steakhouse at Chamtime Plaza in Pudong New Area after the sudden closure.
A popular steakhouse closed all of its six Shanghai outlets overnight because of what it called a "business strategy adjustment."
The outlets of Outback Steakhouse in Xintiandi, Daning, Hongqiao, Wujiaochang, Global Harbor and Chamtime Plaza were suddenly closed yesterday. The US-based steakhouse also shut down another three outlets in neighboring Suzhou and Hangzhou.
Xuanmei Food and Beverage (Shanghai) Co Ltd, the franchisee of Outback Steakhouse in China, asks consumers who have unused cash vouchers to make contact via email for refunds, the operator said in a notice. The deadline for emails is July 31.
Xuanmei Food and Beverage did not answer when phoned for an interview.
The steakhouse had been operating in Shanghai for over five years and was very popular.
"It is very surprising because I dine here often because of their lunchtime set menu," said Frank Liu who works at a technology company near Chamtime Plaza in Pudong New Area where the steakhouse had an outlet.
"Its steak, salad and Italian noodles were tasty," he said.
The steakhouse's outlet on Tmall has also been closed.
