Your Favorite Outback May Be GONE! Parent Company Abruptly Shuts Down 21 Locations Across the US

Fans of the Bloomin' Onion and perfectly seared steaks were met with unwelcome news recently. Outback’s parent company abruptly closed 21 restaurants, a move that has left many wondering about the future of the popular Australian-themed steakhouse. This decision is part of a larger, more comprehensive turnaround strategy initiated by the restaurant's owner, Bloomin' Brands.

An Outback Steakhouse restaurant exterior, with the company's logo prominently displayed.

The company, which also operates Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, has been facing stiff competition in the casual dining sector. The recent closures are a direct response to these challenges, with the company aiming to revitalize the Outback brand and improve its overall financial performance.

A Closer Look at the Closures

The shuttering of these 21 locations was confirmed in a recent earnings report from Bloomin' Brands. While the company has not released a complete list of the shuttered restaurants, reports indicate that the closures have affected a mix of Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's, and Bonefish Grill locations across the United States.

Some of the known Outback Steakhouse closures include locations in several states. Among those that have permanently closed their doors are restaurants in Birmingham, Alabama; Jacksonville Beach and Naples, Florida; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Silver Spring, Maryland; Merrick, New York; and Madison, Wisconsin. For some of these locations, the only notice given was a sign on the door, leaving loyal customers and employees surprised.

The Strategy Behind the Shutdowns

So, why the sudden closures? According to Bloomin' Brands, this is a calculated business decision. The company conducted a thorough review of its restaurant portfolio and identified underperforming locations. A variety of factors were considered, including sales and traffic, the surrounding trade area, and the level of investment that would be needed to bring the restaurants up to current brand standards.

This move is part of a broader turnaround plan for which Bloomin' Brands is taking a $33 million impairment charge. In a clear signal of its commitment to this new strategy, the company has also suspended its shareholder dividend to help fund the initiative.

More Than Just Outback's parent company abruptly closed 21 restaurants

The 21 closures are just one piece of a larger restructuring puzzle. Bloomin' Brands also announced that it will not be renewing the leases on an additional 22 locations. These closures are expected to happen over the next four years as the current lease agreements expire.

This is not the first time Bloomin' Brands has made such a move. In February 2024, the company announced the closure of 41 underperforming restaurants. These recent actions indicate a continued effort to streamline operations and focus on the most profitable locations.

The Road Ahead for Outback

Despite the closures, Bloomin' Brands insists it is still confident in the Outback brand. The company is planning to invest $75 million over the next three years to revitalize the steakhouse chain. This investment will go towards a number of initiatives aimed at improving the customer experience and driving sales.

One of the key areas of focus will be the menu. Customers can expect to see new and improved steak offerings. The company is also looking to increase value propositions to attract diners who are becoming more selective with their spending. For more information on casual dining trends, you can explore resources from industry publications like Restaurant Business Magazine.

In an effort to enhance service, Outback is reducing the number of tables servers are responsible for from six to four. This will allow for more attentive and personalized service, a critical factor in today's competitive dining landscape. Additionally, all remaining Outback restaurants are slated to be renovated by the end of 2028. The new design will feature brighter interiors, redesigned bars, and expanded areas for pickup orders.

Impact on Employees and Future Openings

While the closures are a difficult but necessary step in the company's view, Bloomin' Brands has stated that it is working to relocate as many affected team members as possible to nearby restaurants. For those who cannot be relocated, severance packages will be provided.

It's important to note that this is not a sign that Bloomin' Brands is shrinking its overall footprint. In fact, the company plans to open 40 to 45 new restaurants across its portfolio in 2024. This demonstrates a strategic shift towards newer, more modern locations that are better positioned for long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many restaurants did Outback's parent company close?

Bloomin' Brands, Outback's parent company, abruptly closed 21 restaurants in October. This is in addition to 41 other locations that were closed earlier in 2024.

Which restaurant brands were affected by the closures?

The closures included a mix of Bloomin' Brands' restaurants, which include Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, and Bonefish Grill.

Why did Outback's parent company close these restaurants?

The closures are part of a larger turnaround strategy to address underperforming locations and focus on revitalizing the Outback brand. The decision was based on a review of factors like sales, traffic, and the investment required to update the restaurants.

Is Outback Steakhouse going out of business?

No, Outback Steakhouse is not going out of business. The company is investing heavily in a turnaround plan that includes menu improvements, enhanced service, and restaurant renovations. They are also planning to open new locations.

Thar EMI Calculator: The SHOCKING Truth About Owning Your Dream SUV! (You'll Regret Not Knowing This Sooner)

The Mahindra Thar. Just the name evokes images of rugged landscapes, open-air freedom, and conquering the untamable. It's more than just an SUV; it's a statement. But before you get swept away by the dream, let's talk about the reality of bringing this beast home. Using a thar emi calculator is your first step, but it only tells you a fraction of the story.

A Mahindra Thar parked in a rugged, off-road setting, highlighting its adventurous appeal and the lifestyle associated with it.

The number you see on that calculator, the Equated Monthly Installment (EMI), is just the tip of the iceberg. The shocking truth lies beneath the surface, in a sea of hidden costs that can quickly turn your dream purchase into a financial burden. We're here to dive deep and expose what owning your dream SUV truly entails.

Decoding the On-Road Price: What Are You REALLY Paying?

First things first, the ex-showroom price is not what you pay. The on-road price is the real figure, and it's significantly higher. In cities like New Delhi, the ex-showroom price for the base model starts around ₹9.99 Lakh, while the top model can go up to ₹16.99 Lakh.

But then come the additions. RTO charges, road tax, and mandatory insurance all get tacked on. These can vary wildly between states, sometimes adding up to 15% or more to the ex-showroom cost. Suddenly, your dream Thar has a much heftier price tag before you've even driven it off the lot.

The Mighty Thar EMI Calculator: Your First Financial Checkpoint

This is where the thar emi calculator comes into play. It's a crucial tool for figuring out your monthly outflow. You'll need to input the loan amount (the on-road price minus your down payment), the interest rate, and the loan tenure.

A larger down payment is your best friend here; it directly reduces your loan amount and, consequently, your EMI. Car loan interest rates in India typically range from around 8.5% to 14% p.a., depending on your credit score and the lender. The tenure, usually between 3 to 7 years, also plays a massive role. A longer tenure means a lower EMI, but you'll end up paying significantly more in interest over the life of the loan.

Beyond the EMI: The SHOCKING Hidden Costs of Thar Ownership

Here's the part most people overlook. Your EMI is a fixed monthly cost, but the variable expenses are what can truly catch you off guard. Brace yourself, because this is the information you'll regret not knowing sooner.

Fuel: The Never-Ending Expense

The Thar is built for power, not for sipping fuel. Real-world mileage for the petrol variants can be as low as 7-9 kmpl, while the diesel offers a slightly better 11-13 kmpl. With ever-fluctuating fuel prices, this can translate into a substantial monthly expense, especially if it's your daily driver.

Insurance: A Mandatory Annual Hit

Third-party insurance is legally required, but comprehensive cover is what you'll want for peace of mind. For a vehicle like the Thar, comprehensive insurance premiums can range from ₹29,000 to ₹37,000 annually, depending on the variant and add-ons you choose. This isn't a one-time cost; it's a yearly recurring expense.

Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Healthy

While Mahindra's service costs are relatively reasonable, they are not insignificant. The estimated maintenance cost for the first five years can be around ₹19,000 to ₹21,000. This covers scheduled services, but what about unscheduled repairs or replacing parts like tires and brake pads? A set of good quality tires for the Thar can set you back a considerable amount.

Depreciation: The Silent Value Killer

The moment you drive your new Thar off the dealership floor, its value starts to drop. A new car can depreciate by 15-20% in the very first year. While the Thar holds its value relatively well due to high demand, it's still a significant long-term cost to factor in.

So, Can You Really Afford the Thar?

Owning a Mahindra Thar is an incredible experience, but it's vital to go in with your eyes wide open. Don't just rely on the initial output of a thar emi calculator. You need to calculate the total cost of ownership.

Add up your estimated monthly EMI, fuel costs, and a prorated amount for annual insurance and maintenance. Does that final figure still fit comfortably within your budget? For more information on car loans and financial planning, you can visit a trusted source like the State Bank of India's auto loan page.

The shocking truth is that the EMI is often less than half of what you'll actually spend each month to keep your Thar running. Being prepared for these additional expenses is the key to enjoying your dream SUV without the financial stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good down payment for a Thar?

A down payment of 20-25% of the on-road price is generally recommended. This helps in reducing your loan amount, leading to a lower EMI and less interest paid over the tenure.

How much is the maintenance cost for a Mahindra Thar?

The estimated routine maintenance cost for a Mahindra Thar over five years is approximately ₹19,000 to ₹21,000. This does not include costs for unscheduled repairs or part replacements like tires.

Is the Mahindra Thar expensive to insure?

Due to its classification as an SUV and its engine capacity, insurance premiums for the Thar can be higher than for smaller cars. Comprehensive plans can range from ₹29,000 to ₹37,000 annually.

What is the real-world mileage of the Thar?

Real-world mileage figures are lower than the ARAI-certified numbers. Expect around 7 to 9 kmpl for the petrol variants and 11 to 13 kmpl for the diesel variants in mixed driving conditions.

How does loan tenure affect my Thar's EMI?

A longer loan tenure (e.g., 7 years) will result in a lower monthly EMI, but you will pay more in total interest. A shorter tenure (e.g., 3-5 years) means a higher EMI but lower overall interest cost.

Are You Losing Lakhs on PPF? This FREE PPF Calculator Reveals the SHOCKING Truth!

Millions of Indians diligently invest in the Public Provident Fund (PPF), trusting it as a secure path to building long-term wealth. But a simple, often-overlooked rule could be silently costing you lakhs of rupees in returns.

A person using a calculator to plan their Public Provident Fund (PPF) investment strategy for long-term savings.

The shocking truth lies not in what you invest, but when you invest. A free ppf calculator can instantly reveal the staggering difference a few days can make to your final corpus.

The Simple Rule That's Siphoning Your Returns

The core issue is how PPF interest is calculated. Interest is determined based on the lowest balance in your account between the 5th and the last day of each month.

This means if you deposit your monthly or annual contribution on the 6th of the month, you earn absolutely zero interest on that amount for the entire month. Over the 15-year tenure of a PPF account, this small timing mistake compounds into a significant loss.

A Tale of Two Investors: The Jaw-Dropping Numbers

Let's use a simple scenario to illustrate the impact. Consider two individuals, Rohan and Priya, who both decide to invest the maximum permissible amount of ₹1.5 lakh annually into their PPF accounts.

Rohan, aware of the rules, makes a lump-sum deposit on April 4th, at the very beginning of the financial year. Priya, unaware of the fine print, invests the same amount just two days later, on April 6th.

Using a ppf calculator with the current interest rate of 7.1% per annum, the difference is startling. By investing just two days late, Priya loses out on the interest for the entire first month.

While this might seem small initially, the power of compounding magnifies this loss year after year. Over the 15-year lock-in period, Rohan's corpus will be significantly larger than Priya's. The difference could easily amount to over ₹2.5 lakh, simply due to the timing of the deposit.

Are You Making These Other Costly PPF Blunders?

The timing of your deposit is the most common error, but several other mistakes can stunt the growth of your PPF investment. Are you guilty of any of these?

Inconsistent Contributions: Many investors fail to contribute the maximum ₹1.5 lakh each year. Even smaller, irregular contributions miss out on the full potential of tax-free, compounded growth. A ppf calculator can show you the dramatic future value you're sacrificing.

Ignoring the Power of Extension: A PPF account matures in 15 years, but many don't realize it can be extended indefinitely in blocks of 5 years. Withdrawing your funds at maturity halts the incredible power of compounding on a large, established corpus. Extending the account, even without further contributions, allows your wealth to continue growing tax-free.

Premature Withdrawals: While partial withdrawals are allowed after the 7th financial year, frequent dips into your PPF fund can severely disrupt its growth trajectory and reduce your final returns.

How a PPF Calculator Empowers You

A ppf calculator is a simple yet powerful online tool that takes the guesswork out of financial planning. By entering your yearly or monthly investment amount, the tenure, and the current interest rate, you can get an accurate projection of your maturity amount.

Here’s how to use it to your advantage:

• Visualize Your Goals: See how your regular savings can grow into a substantial, tax-free sum over 15, 20, or even 25 years.
• Compare Scenarios: Instantly see the financial impact of investing on the 4th versus the 10th of the month. The numbers will convince you to change your habits.
• Plan Your Investments: Use the calculator to determine how much you need to invest annually to reach a specific financial goal, like a down payment for a home or your retirement fund.

Several major banks and financial websites, like State Bank of India, offer these tools for free, empowering you to make smarter investment decisions.

Maximize Your PPF: The Golden Rules

To ensure you're not losing out, follow these simple but crucial guidelines:

Invest Early: If you are making a lump-sum investment, deposit the entire amount before April 5th of the financial year. This ensures you earn interest for all 12 months.

Monthly Discipline: If you invest monthly, set up a standing instruction or reminder to transfer the funds on or before the 5th of every month.

Think Long-Term: Resist the urge to withdraw funds prematurely and strongly consider extending your account after maturity to leverage the full force of compounding.

The Public Provident Fund remains one of India's best tax-saving and wealth-creation tools. By understanding its rules and using a ppf calculator to guide your strategy, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure your money is working as hard as possible for your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best date to invest in PPF?

The absolute best time to invest is in a lump sum on or before April 5th of each financial year to earn interest for the entire 12 months. If investing monthly, always deposit on or before the 5th of the month.

How is interest on a PPF account calculated?

Interest is calculated monthly on the lowest balance recorded between the 5th day and the last day of the month. However, the total interest earned is credited to your account annually on March 31st.

Can a PPF calculator predict my exact returns?

A PPF calculator provides a very accurate estimate based on the current interest rate. However, the final amount can vary slightly as the government reviews and can change the PPF interest rate every quarter.

What is the maximum amount I can invest in PPF in a year?

You can invest a minimum of ₹500 and a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh in a single financial year. Any amount deposited over ₹1.5 lakh will not earn interest.

Groww IPO GMP Blasts Off: Is THIS Why Smart Money Is Piling In? Don't Miss India's Next Big Listing

The Indian stock market is buzzing with anticipation for what could be one of the most significant fintech public offerings of 2025. Groww, the popular investment platform operated by Billionbrains Garage Ventures Ltd., is set to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO), and early signals from the grey market are already turning heads.

A smartphone displaying the Groww app's logo, with stock market charts blurred in the background, symbolizing mobile-first investing.

The groww ipo gmp, or Grey Market Premium, is showing strong initial interest, a key unofficial indicator of investor sentiment before a stock officially lists. This premium reflects the price at which IPO shares are traded in an unofficial market before their allotment and listing on the stock exchange.

Decoding the Groww IPO GMP Surge

As of early November 2025, the Groww IPO GMP has been hovering in the range of ₹14 to ₹16.7 per share. With the upper end of the IPO price band set at ₹100 per share, this suggests a potential listing gain of approximately 15% to 17%.

While the GMP is not an official or guaranteed figure and is known for its volatility, this early trend indicates that the market has a positive outlook on India's largest and fastest-growing investment platform. Smart money seems to be taking note of the company's powerful brand recognition and impressive growth trajectory.

The Groww IPO: All the Key Details

For investors looking to get in on the action, here are the critical details of the upcoming public issue. The Groww IPO is scheduled to open for subscription on November 4, 2025, and will close on November 7, 2025. The price band for the issue has been fixed at ₹95 to ₹100 per equity share.

The total issue size is a substantial ₹6,632.30 crores, comprising a fresh issue of shares worth ₹1,060 crores and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to ₹5,572.30 crores by existing shareholders. The minimum lot size for an application is 150 shares, requiring a minimum investment of ₹15,000 at the upper price band.

The shares are slated for a tentative listing on the BSE and NSE on November 12, 2025.

Why is Groww a Market Leader?

Founded in 2016 by former Flipkart executives, Groww has revolutionized the investment landscape for millions of Indians with its user-friendly, mobile-first platform. The company has successfully simplified the process of investing in mutual funds, stocks, ETFs, and IPOs.

The numbers speak for themselves. As of June 2025, Groww had the largest number of active clients on the NSE, with its market share surging to 26.27%. The platform's revenue from operations has seen a staggering compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 84.88% from Fiscal 2023 to Fiscal 2025.

Financially, the parent company, Billionbrains Garage Ventures, has demonstrated a strong performance, reporting a profit of ₹1,819 crore in fiscal 2025. This robust financial health and massive user base are key factors driving the positive sentiment around the groww ipo gmp.

The Future of Fintech IPOs in India

The Groww IPO arrives at a time when the Indian fintech sector is maturing. After a period of focusing on growth at all costs, the new wave of fintech companies coming to market is more focused on profitability and sustainable business models. This shift is expected to build greater investor trust and contribute to a more stable market for tech listings.

India's IPO market is poised for a dynamic year in 2025, with technology and fintech being key drivers. The success of the Groww IPO could set a positive precedent for other major fintech players eyeing a public listing.

Should You Invest?

The strong groww ipo gmp certainly suggests a promising debut. However, investors should look beyond the initial hype. Groww's strengths lie in its strong brand equity, scalable technology platform, and rapid user acquisition. The company has successfully tapped into the growing wave of retail investors in India, especially in smaller cities.

However, there are risks to consider. The company's business is heavily dependent on the performance of the financial markets, and a significant downturn could impact its revenue. Furthermore, a large portion of its revenue comes from broking services, making it susceptible to market volatility. Interested investors should conduct their own thorough research and consider their risk appetite before subscribing. For more detailed information, one can refer to the company's Red Herring Prospectus (RHP) filed with SEBI.

As the subscription dates approach, all eyes will be on how the groww ipo gmp fluctuates and what the final subscription numbers reveal about India's appetite for its next big fintech listing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Groww IPO GMP today?

The Grey Market Premium (GMP) for the Groww IPO is currently fluctuating between ₹14 and ₹16.7, indicating positive market sentiment ahead of the listing.

What are the dates for the Groww IPO?

The Groww IPO will be open for public subscription from November 4, 2025, to November 7, 2025.

What is the price band for the Groww IPO?

The price band for the Groww IPO is set at ₹95 to ₹100 per share.

What is the issue size of the Groww IPO?

The total issue size of the Groww IPO is ₹6,632.30 crores, which includes a fresh issue of ₹1,060 crores and an offer for sale of ₹5,572.30 crores.

When will Groww shares be listed on the stock exchange?

The tentative listing date for Groww's shares on the BSE and NSE is November 12, 2025.

Stop Wasting Money! Discover How Our Home Loan EMI Calculator With Prepayment Can Decimate Your Mortgage in Years!

For most people, a home loan feels like a financial ball and chain, a decades-long commitment that drains your wallet. But what if there was a way to break free years ahead of schedule and save a staggering amount of money in the process? It’s not a financial fantasy; it's the power of strategic prepayment.

A person using a calculator with a house model in the background, symbolizing home loan prepayment planning and savings.

This is where a home loan EMI calculator with prepayment becomes your most powerful weapon. It’s more than just a tool; it's a crystal ball that shows you the path to financial freedom, revealing just how quickly you can vanquish your mortgage.

The Hidden Enemy: Your Amortization Schedule

Ever looked at your home loan statement and wondered why the principal amount barely budges in the early years? The culprit is the amortization schedule. This is a table that breaks down each of your Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs) into principal and interest components.

In the beginning stages of your loan, a massive chunk of your EMI goes directly toward paying off interest. The amount chipping away at your actual loan balance is frustratingly small. This front-loading of interest is how banks make a significant portion of their profit.

Enter the Game-Changer: Prepayment

Prepayment is simply the act of paying more than your required EMI. This extra money goes directly toward reducing your outstanding principal loan amount. When the principal decreases, the interest calculated on that principal also decreases, creating a powerful snowball effect of savings.

Making extra payments, whether as a lump sum or small, regular additions, can dramatically shorten your loan tenure and slash the total interest you pay.

Unlock Your Savings Potential with a Home Loan EMI Calculator With Prepayment

This is where the magic truly happens. A home loan EMI calculator with prepayment is an online tool that allows you to see the real-time impact of making extra payments. You can input your loan amount, interest rate, tenure, and the prepayment amount you're considering.

The calculator will then instantly show you two crucial pieces of information:

• Your new, shorter loan tenure.

• The total interest you will save.

Seeing these numbers can be a huge motivator. For instance, a small, consistent monthly prepayment can shave years off your loan. A larger, lump-sum payment from a bonus or inheritance could cut your loan term by a decade or more.

Strategies to Annihilate Your Mortgage

Armed with a home loan EMI calculator with prepayment, you can experiment with different strategies to see what works best for your financial situation.

The "One Extra EMI a Year" Strategy: This popular method involves making one additional EMI payment each year. You can do this by paying a little extra each month (1/12th of an EMI) or as a single payment. This simple trick can often reduce a 30-year loan by several years.

The "Increase EMI Annually" Strategy: As your income grows, consider increasing your EMI by a small percentage, say 5-10%, each year. This incremental approach feels manageable but has a massive impact over time, potentially cutting your loan term in half.

The "Windfall" Strategy: Whenever you receive unexpected money, like a work bonus, tax refund, or inheritance, resist the urge to splurge. Instead, plugging it directly into your home loan as a prepayment can yield incredible long-term savings.

Important Considerations Before You Prepay

While prepaying your home loan is generally a fantastic financial move, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, check with your lender about any prepayment penalties. While many lenders on floating rate loans do not charge penalties, it's always best to confirm.

Also, ensure you have a healthy emergency fund before aggressively prepaying. You don't want to be in a position where you've put all your extra cash into your home loan and then face an unexpected expense with no savings to fall back on. For more detailed financial planning advice, resources from organizations like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau can be very helpful.

Finally, always specify to your lender that any extra payment should be applied to the principal balance. This ensures the money works to reduce your loan and save you interest, rather than just being credited towards future EMIs.

The journey to being mortgage-free doesn't have to take 20 or 30 years. By understanding the power of prepayment and utilizing a home loan EMI calculator with prepayment, you can take control of your financial future and decimate your mortgage in record time. Stop wasting money on interest and start building equity and freedom today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a home loan EMI calculator with prepayment?

It's an online tool that helps you calculate how much you can save on interest and how much you can shorten your loan tenure by making extra payments towards your home loan principal.

How does prepaying a home loan save money?

Prepayment reduces your outstanding principal loan amount. Since interest is calculated on this principal, a lower principal means you pay less interest over the life of the loan, leading to significant savings.

Is it better to reduce my EMI or my loan tenure when I prepay?

To save the maximum amount of interest, it is almost always better to reduce the loan tenure while keeping the EMI the same. A shorter loan period means you pay interest for fewer years.

Are there any charges for prepaying a home loan?

Some lenders may impose prepayment penalties, especially on fixed-rate loans. However, many lenders do not charge a penalty for prepayments on floating-rate home loans. It's crucial to check the terms and conditions of your specific loan agreement.

When is the best time to prepay a home loan?

The earlier in your loan tenure you make prepayments, the more you save. This is because the interest component of your EMI is highest in the initial years, so reducing the principal early has a much larger impact on total interest paid.