A Popular Italian Restaurant Chain Just Closed 13 Locations Across the Country
Following closures from Pizza Hut and Red Lobster, another chain is closing several locations. Buca di Beppo shut down 13 underperforming restaurants.
The Orlando-based Italian chain, known for family-style portions and over-the-top decor, struggled to recover from pandemic damage and market pressures.
"Buca regrets taking this action, but these restaurants couldn't recover," a representative said. Buca di Beppo still operates 44 locations.
Recent closures included Sacramento, Calif.; Salt Lake City and Midvale, Utah; Livonia and Utica, Mich.; Springs Township, Pa; and Colonie, N.Y.
The closures reduced the chain's footprint by over 20%. The Springs Township, Colonie, Livonia, and Utica locations were the last in their states.
Buca di Beppo has been reducing locations for years. It once operated 95 restaurants in 2013, but sales dropped by 4.7% last year.
Buca di Beppo started in 1993 in Minneapolis, Minn., and was acquired by Orlando-based Earl Enterprises in 2008, which also owns Bertucci's and Brio Italian Grille.
Other chains have also closed locations. Last month, Hooters and Rubio's Coastal Grill shuttered underperforming stores, citing market pressures and high business costs.