HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 02-05 Old Country Buffet abruptly closes 74 stores, 7 in Twin Cities STAR TRIBUNE 2/5/2016 Old Country Buffet abruptly closes 74 stores,7 in Twin Cities-StarTribune.com
EAT&DRINK
Old Country Buffet abruptly shutters 74
restaurants, 7 in Twin Cities
The closures leave the Twin Cities with just three Old Country
Buffet restaurants after the parent company abruptly implemented a
national restructuring.
By Tim Harlow(http://www.startribune.com/tim-harlow/10644986/)Star Tribune
FEBRUARY 5,2016—9:02AM
The Twin Cities has just three Old Country Buffet restaurants left after its parent
company abruptly shut down seven locations Thursday part of a national restructuring
that closed a total of 74 restaurants.
The shuttered restaurants in the metro area include Richfield,Fridley,Crystal,Roseville,
Maplewood,West St.Paul and Woodbury,according to a spokeswoman for Ovation
Brands.
Restaurants in Maple Grove,Coon Rapids and Burnsville will remain open.
In a statement,the company said the closures of underperforming stores are part of a
plan to stabilize and enhance the viability of it s brands,which also include Hometown
Buffet,Ryan's,Fire Mountain and Country Buffet restaurants.
'While we cannot predict future market conditions,the plan is to continue operating the
remaining Ovation Brands'restaurants as they are financially viable,"said Peter IIWW-
P�I 'Vuuumi
Donbavand,vice president of business development."We know that these decisions are
not easy,however,we strongly believe that this direction is best for the long-term health S Ii
of all brands."
It was not immediately known how many employees would be affected by the mass
closures.Employees of closed restaurants will be able to apply for jobs at restaurants
that remain open,he said.
Many employees were blindsided by Thursday's news and took to social media to decry
the closure that came without notice.
(http://stmedia.startri bune.com/m/images/1454682541_08+201960
JOEL KOYAMA,STAR TRIBUNE
"The OCB in Fridley has abruptly closed today.Thanks so much for giving your Old Country Buffet closed seven locations in
employees notice!!"wrote Laurie Peterson Buck on the restaurant's Facebook page. the Twin Cities as part of a broader
Old Country Buffet started in Minnesota in 1983 and had 626 locations in 2008. restructuring.File photo of former CEO...
According to the industry publication Restaurant News,Ovation has filed for
bankruptcy twice in recent years,in 2008 and in 2012.
harlow @startribune.com 612-673-7768
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