Several Old Country Buffet Restaurants Shutter In Minn., Across U.S.
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The company that owns Old Country Buffet said Thursday that it's shuttered 74 underperforming restaurants across the nation.
The Twin Cities restaurants that appear to be affected by the sudden closings include the locations in Crystal, Richfield, Fridley, Maplewood, Roseville, Woodbury, and West St. Paul.
A call to the Maple Grove location revealed that the buffet there was still open, along with the Burnsville and Coon Rapids locations.
It's yet unclear how many employees lost their jobs.
Ovation Brands, which owns Old Country Buffet and other buffet-style restaurant chains, said in a press release that the company is trying to stabilize after being bought last August by Food Management Partners.
"We know that these decisions are not easy," a statement said, "however, we strongly believe that this direction is best for the long-term health of all brands."
Ovation said that employees affected by the closings can apply at other buffet restaurants.
According to the industry publication Restaurant News, Ovation has filed for bankruptcy twice in recent years, in 2008 and in 2012.
Prior to Thursday, the company had 328 restaurants in 35 states.