Business ain’t bloomin’

Australian-themed restaurant chain Outback Steakhouse closed its doors to the meat-loving patrons of Eau Claire for the final time on Aug. 9. The chain’s closure results in an unfortunate loss of jobs and loss of the availability of the bloomin’ onion to all those in the Chippewa Valley loyal to the bold and flavorful food and quiet atmosphere (well, more quiet than Texas Roadhouse). Greg Michals, Joint Ventuer Partner of Outback Steakhouse in Wisconsin, however, has yet to disclose why the store closed or how many employees were affected by the closing.